bad 4.3 omc engine gonna replace but want more horses

[anthonymongato518]

got a 89 four winds with a bad 4.3 gonna replace but want more horses thinking
EcoTec LV3 at 285 hp anybody see any problems

 

[Faztbullet]

Yep....not a marine engine.

 

[matt167]

GM did build Ecotec marine engines and Mercruiser used a 1.6 Ecotec in the Vazer drives. But AFIK, total flops..

I've only ever heard of the Vazer, but I'm pretty sure the drive was it's own thing, so while the marine systems for the engine may be available, they will be specific to the Vazer drive, and you have an old Alpha.

 

[Bondo]

got a 89 four winds with a bad 4.3 gonna replace but want more horses thinking
EcoTec LV3 at 285 hp anybody see any problems

Ayuh,...... Go with a late model Vortec 4.3l motor, 'n 4bbl. carb,.....

That'll give ya 20 to 40hp more than ya had,.....

The ecotec ain't an option,....

 

[Lou C]

Agreed the late model 4.3 Vortec will give you what you’re looking for with a few modifications. You’ll have to add an electric fuel pump with oil pressure activated safety switch; and toss the old one piece exhaust manifolds and upgrade to the later OMC/Volvo 2 piece exhaust system. I did this on mine 5 years ago when I did a top end overhaul on the original short block. I used Barr Marine aftermarket manifolds and elbows and Volvo Penta 90* exhaust pipes and hoses. It all fit like factory. The other thing that you can do is add an Edelbrock Performer Marine intake that may add a few more HP. Might end up with 235-240 hp pretty good for a 4.3.
Last thing you may need to change the coupler to the later style due to slight differences in the flywheel from the pre Vortec to the Vortec. Check with an engine seller like Michigan Motorz to be sure.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the vazer was a custom drive, custom motor castings and custom heat exchanger and Mercruiser had to buy everyone of them back from the customers because they flopped. nearly a million $ in development for something that failed.

a late model vortec 4.3 will give you between 205 and 220hp at the prop where the 1989 motor was between 175 and 190 at the prop.

if you want the ecotec motor, get a new volvo 280hp. that is what they are. the only way to get a marinized ecotec V6

more importantly, the 1989 four winns is most likely OMC powered. and the transom is probably soft

 

[anthonymongato518]

got a 89 four winds with a bad 4.3 gonna replace but want more horses thinking
EcoTec LV3 at 285 hp anybody see any problems

what year engine should I look for

 

[Scott Danforth]

Vortec heads came out in 1996.