Getting a new drivetrain for Mercruiser 4.3 v6 and Alpha One gen2

[dlogvine]

Im not sure if this is a correct forum topic but could not find the better match. However, here is my problem. I just got a nice 2000 Larsen 176SEI hull with everything in perfect condition minus (a very big one too) the engine, transom plate, gimbal and outdrive. Original engine was Mercruiser 4.3 v6 vortec with 1.81 Alpha One gen 2 outdrive. At first I wanted to swap the whole setup from my older 1993 Larsen SEI200. It has a v8 305 mercruiser. But I dont want to take apart a good running boat with just rebuilt engine, so Im thinking about getting a completely new (used) drivetrain for the new boat. I have a couple remanufactured, cleaned and one rebored .20 over, but not assembled chevy v6 blocks. One is 1993 prevortec with the balanced shaft, the other is 2002 vortec engine. Both have heads and both are automotive. So I thought about buying a used (maybe seized or cracked) block of similar type and then rebuilding it using marine parts from the bad block with my SB's. I found a complete setup 1994 Mercruiser (kind of old and seized) with the exhaust manifolds, flywheel and coupler, all ignition parts and accessories (starter, steering pump, alternator), not tested. The seller wants $750 for it. So Im kinda in between. First, I wanted to put a vortec engine with vortec heads (I have a perfect pair of them), so going back to the pre vorrtec engine is a step back. Second, im not sure if the price for the seized engine is not too high. And lastly, 'd still need to get a transome plate, gimbal and the outdrive. Should I wait till the end of the season and buy some trashed boat with the complete setup and then take it apart or this is a good price for the block and just buy it and look for the other parts later?
Thank you, any advice is good. Also, is there any place I could look for the complete engine/outdrive set at a reasonable price?

 

[Rick Stephens]

Haunt CL and find a rotted boat with good power. Only way to go.

 

[dlogvine]

Haunt CL and find a rotted boat with good power. Only way to go.

That was my intention, also there is donation place not too far in Anaheim, they got trashed boats once in a while

 

[dlogvine]

How about the seized engine for $700? Is it too expensive?

 

[Rick Stephens]

Who cares about 'pre-Vortec engine' or not? You rebuild it with Vortec heads you gots you a Vortec. That what I did and it scoots.

 

[harringtondav]

Just a comment. I have a '96 174 SEI with the 180 hp 4.3 LX Vortec and the 1.81 O/D. That little 2500# boat jumps out of the water at WOT take off. You'll love yours when you get it put together.

 

[nola mike]

How about the seized engine for $700? Is it too expensive?

What you're describing is worth damn near nothing IMHO. Should be able to get a running/rotted boat with outdrive etc for less than that.

 

[dlogvine]

What you're describing is worth damn near nothing IMHO. Should be able to get a running/rotted boat with outdrive etc for less than that.

That is what I thought, thank you. Im still going to rebuild the engine using my remanufactured block and rebuilt heads. Will keep looking for the complete rotted boat

 

[dlogvine]

I found a running engine on an older boat. Looks like it has an alpha one gen 1 outdrive. Do the transom plate and bolt hole pattern differ for the Gen 1 and Gen 2 drives? Thx

 

[dlogvine]

I found that the bolt patterns on both transom plates are identical, but is it worth getting an older outdrive or should I look for a newer (from what I read, much improved) gen2 drive, instead?

 

[Bondo]

I found that the bolt patterns on both transom plates are identical, but is it worth getting an older outdrive or should I look for a newer (from what I read, much improved) gen2 drive, instead?

Nope,..... Not quite true,.... The Gen.II has 2 extra bolts at the top,.....

The rest of yer question is an Either,/ Or question,....

They're both great drives, but you can only run whichever one ya go with,.....

 

[dlogvine]

Nope,..... Not quite true,.... The Gen.II has 2 extra bolts at the top,.....

The rest of yer question is an Either,/ Or question,....

They're both great drives, but you can only run whichever one ya go with,.....

You are correct, Bondo, I was supposed to say, the holes on Alpha One Gen 2 transom would work for Gen 1

 

[dlogvine]

I got this boat hull today. The owner said hat original engine was a 4.3 v6 Volvo-Penta with SX outdrive. Is the hole pattern compatible with the alpha one gen 1 oudrive? I found an older 1985 Larsen boat with the working engine Mercruiser 4.3 v6 and Alpha one gen 1 outdrive. Thank you. If the transom hole pattern matches, im getting this boat, else im in a world of hurt trying to find a trashed boat with volvo penta engine/outdrive

 

[Bondo]

However, here is my problem. I just got a nice 2000 Larsen 176SEI hull with everything in perfect condition minus (a very big one too) the engine, transom plate, gimbal and outdrive. Original engine was Mercruiser 4.3 v6 vortec with 1.81 Alpha One gen 2 outdrive.

I got this boat hull today. The owner said hat original engine was a 4.3 v6 Volvo-Penta with SX outdrive.

Ok,.... Now I'm confused,.....

The SX uses the Merc patterned keyhole, which has pretty much become the industry standard,....
The Gen.II, / Bravo pattern,....


Btw,.... Where are you,....
I have what yer lookin' for,.... an ole boat I'm either sellin', or scrappin',.... money is 'bout the same to me, either way,....

pm me,....

 

[dlogvine]

Ok,.... Now I'm confused,.....

The SX uses the Merc patterned keyhole, which has pretty much become the industry standard,....
The Gen.II, / Bravo pattern,....


Btw,.... Where are you,....
I have what yer lookin' for,.... an ole boat I'm either sellin', or scrappin',.... money is 'bout the same to me, either way,....

pm me,....

I purchased this boat last week, but today drove to San Diego to pick it up.

 

[nola mike]

Still confused. The purchased boat that you haven't picked up is the 2000 larsen without the engine? You originally said it had a mercruiser, but is that the one with the VP? And now looking to replace the VP with a 4.3 merc?