5.7L mercruiser compatability?

[will1975]

Hello Everybody, I have a '97 regal with a 350 mercruiser and alpha one sterndrive. The block is cracked and its been sitting for a few years. I have no idea if the accessories/ignition parts are any good so I would like to get a used motor that i know will run for it and drop it in but I'm not sure what years are compatible. Can anybody offer any advice? Thank you

 

[cr2k]

Re: 5.7L mercruiser compatability?

There are basically 2 blocks the older ones have a 2 piece rear main seal and the newer ones have a 1 piece rear main seal. as far as the bellhousing etc. Either will work. However they are different in the area of flywheel and couplers.

Older ones have 4 bolts on the edges of the valve covers, newer ones have bolts in the tops of the valve covers.

Don't know but it has been said on this forum that a used engine from a truck is doable because the camshaft is closer to that in a marine engine.

Never Never Never use automotive distributor, alternator, carburetor, mechanical fuel pump or starter.
They are not shielded/vented/sealed for fuel leakage or sparks and are illegal and can explode your boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.7L mercruiser compatability?

Ayuh,... An 87 or Later will be the Right block,... 96 or Later will also have the Vortec heads...

 

[John_S]

Re: 5.7L mercruiser compatability?

96 or Later will also have the Vortec heads...

Your '97 may have either type heads, so ID what you have. Or just go for the vortec and buy a 4brl intake and carb. Plan new exhaust manifolds (probably cracked) as well.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 5.7L mercruiser compatability?

Your '97 may have either type heads, so ID what you have...

And ID'ing Vortec heads is easy. Count your intake manifold bolts. If you only have 8, you have Vortec Heads. Any more than 8 and you do NOT. An engine with vortec heads would be the way to go. And I "think" that Mercruiser has used them exclusively since 1998, so many if not "all" the used motors you find from 1998 and up should have them.