need more power from 3.8 V6's

[coupedeville]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

How much do you want to spend on this? I've seen brand new Vortec 4.3's for around $2000 US. They're about 200-210hp. <br />On a [relative] budget, using the 229's, get some 4.3 cylinder heads, have them ported and polished, 4 barrel intakes and carbs, and maybe some 1.6:1 roller rocker arms. That should perk things up, for less than $2000.<br />Prop your boat a little smaller, and turn the engines a little faster. Have your cake and eat it too.<br />It's about the only practical advice I can think of.

 

[sony2001]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

The 4 barrel carb route is a red herring. Better performance will be gotten thru better props.

 

[coupedeville]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

Supercharger anyone? <br />www.procharger.com

 

[geriksen]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

Yes, change the props, maintain it and go boating.<br />

 

[Walt T]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

Well, looks like 'ol Coupe was right, the manifolds will interchange. Gee, and I thought I knew everything. Guess this old dog can still learn new tricks.

 

[coupedeville]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

Walt; The older I get, the more I realize how little I actually know.

 

[dpmpat]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

Another thing to keep in mind, is that the 4bbl manifold for the 3.8/4.3, is a single plane manifold. These are notorious for loss of low speed performance. I have performed this swap before, and had mixed results.

 

[coupedeville]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

I don't know what you had, but the one I'm referring to is the Edelbrock Performer 90° V6 (non-EGR) #2111, and it's a dual plane style.

 

[dpmpat]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

The stock cast iron manifold for the omc's and the merc was a single plane. I'm sure the aftermarket has many choices, but aren't most of them alum? I have three of these manifolds for sale ,by the way, if anyone needs one!

 

[MGuckin]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

How about existing motors with variable pitch props? Desired increase in holeshot and reduction in planing time along with increased top end. http://www.land-and-sea.com/marine/torque-shift/torque-shift.htm

 

[geriksen]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

Oh god, those things are horrible. I have run them before. The only thing worse than one of those is two of them.

 

[MGuckin]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

Just a thought. <br />Never used them, but those I know that did, were happy with the performance, especially those with marginally powered boats.

 

[coupedeville]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

Just bolt in a pair of 4.3's<br /> http://www.remanufactured-marine-engines.com/chevy-marine-engine-805.html <br />Less than a $1000 each. Sell your 3.8's to somebody, and you reduce the overall cost.

 

[geronimo]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

hi offshore man,<br />i saw the engines and one of them was rebuilt<br />so do number two and put it in your boat<br />when at sea will see wether thinking of increasing power will have sense or better deal would be new boat<br />talk soon

 

[geriksen]

Re: need more power from 3.8 V6's

Those 4.3's look like a good deal. That sure is cheap if they are any good.