Engine Swap

[ROGERD36]

I am currently in need of repowering my 1986 19' 4 Winns. Salt water entered 3 of the cylinders by way of a 3/8" diameter hole in the cylinder head, just behind the thermostat housing. Currently I have a 140 Mercruiser with an Alpha 1 outdrive. I would like to increase my horsepower, if possible. What upgrade would be the easiest, a 4.3L or an 8 cylinder? Or am I better off just scapping this idea and buying another boat?

 

[mkast]

Re: Engine Swap

Hi Roger,<br />Ask yourself, how much time, money, floorspace, money, tooling, money, friends help, money, bad purchases on Ebay (read wrong part), money, bad advice from well intentioned bulletin boards, money,and finally MONEY do you want to invest into this project? You will upgrade power, then find out the stern drive needs to be addressed, (read gear change)as long as you have the stern drive apart, new bearings, and gaskets, about $1000, or you can get one off Ebay, (read recondition) $400, after the purchase. How much will you get for this project when you sell, trade or insurance claim?

 

[Waterbugtoo]

Re: Engine Swap

I would have to agree. By the time you purchase a 4.3, change your mounts, exhaust, and gear ratio to suit, you would definately have a lot of money tied up in the project. You would have to decide if the boat is a long time keeper or not. It would have to be an awful cherry 86 in my opinion.<br /><br />

 

[coupedeville]

Re: Engine Swap

Easiest? Buy another boat. Of course, if you're talking new boat, then we're talking $$$$.<br />Used boat? Exactly how used is it? And right now, without power, what's your 4 Winns worth? <br />If you really like the boat, get a new engine. If not, maybe something used and cheap. Then sell it and buy a more powerful boat. IMO.

 

[ROGERD36]

Re: Engine Swap

Looks like it is unanimous, that I should buy another boat. I guess I am just having some trouble parting with something that I enjoyed for so many years, but now you guys convinced me.<br /><br />Oh well, I always wanted more power anyway.<br /><br />Thanks for the help!

 

[coupedeville]

Re: Engine Swap

You can get a re-man engine for around $2000, if that makes you feel any better.