engine swap??

[usglow]

I have a 1989 17.5 Sunbird with a Cobra outdrive and a 2.3L Ford. Is it possible to replace the 2.3 with a Chevy 5.0? ie. Would the outdrive handle the extra hp? Mounting problems? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

 

[usglow]

Re: engine swap??

bump. Any thoughts on the subject?

 

[MGuckin]

Re: engine swap??

Ford and Chevy are not economically compatible parts wise.<br />Even if the drive would mount to the motor, I don't believe it would handle the additional power and torque.<br />Installing the motor would require major hull modifications.<br />Could the hull handle the power?<br />Anything is possible. I once put a Chevy 396 in a Ford Pinto.

 

[usglow]

Re: engine swap??

That is what I was affraid of. But Thank You for the input!! I guess I'll have to stick with the Ford.

 

[SS182]

Re: engine swap??

usglow,<br /><br />I just bought a boat that was repowered from a 4.3 V6 to 5.0 V8. Some engine mount mods were required and the gearing had to be changed. Gearing approx $500 and so on and so forth. My $00.02 worth is to sell and purchase a boat with the desired power level. Good luck in what you decide!<br /><br />Kyle

 

[usglow]

Re: engine swap??

The more I have found out about my idea to repower the worse it seems! I just happen to have a 5.0 laying around so I WAS wonderin what it would require. Apparently I wonder too much!

 

[coupedeville]

Re: engine swap??

Ah, the joys of an outboard: If what you have isn't powerful enough, undo it and bolt on a bigger one! <br />Not too helpful for you though.<br />Really, the cheapest and easiest option is to find a similar boat with a bigger motor. All it not lost however; The 2.3 Ford was a very popular engine, used for over 20 years both in North America & Europe. In the SVO Mustang's of the mid 80's they made over 200hp, albeit with a turbocharger which isn't practical in a small boat. There are a multitude of aftermarket high-performance parts available, and an extra 20 or 30 horses shouldn't be a problem. <br />This is a good place to start: http://www.cliffordperformance.com/ <br />Or http://www.racerwalsh.com who've been racing those engines for a long time

 

[Valv]

Re: engine swap??

usglow, one important issue is also gear ratio.<br />V8s uses a 1:50 to 1 ratio, 4cylinders have a 1:80 to 1 and 1:92 to 1 ratio. You'll have to replace gears in upper outdrive to make it work.<br /><br />I had same problem with a drive I purchased to be installed in a V8, it was an Alpha from a 4cyls, I ended up selling drive and getting one for a V8.<br /><br />My 2 cents.....find another boat.