rebuild 3.8L omc V6

[fendersfender]

Just thinking ahead to next winter.....I have twin 3.8L's in my Searay that are tired...both carry low oil pressure....I cant seem to find a place that sells remanned 3.8's, everyone sells 4.3's...so my question is: Do I yank and rebiuld those 3.8's or do I just replace them with 4.3's? If i were to put in 4.3's, what modifications would be needed? exhaust, intake, motor mounts, alternator and power steering brackets, etc. i am starting to research now so that i can start gathering needed parts throughout the summer......oh, and yes..these are '85 omc 800 stringer drives...thanks ahead for your advice and comments......i dont need any negative feedback on the stringer drives..i already know...BELIEVE ME!!! lol

 

[Bondo]

Re: rebuild 3.8L omc V6

Well,....... I might be Wrong,.......Again,......

But I Believe those Old OMC 3.8ls are Buick Motors.....

If that Is in fact So,..... The 4.3l Really Isn't an Option,.....
Nothing will Fit.......

Are the Dist.s in the Rear of the Motor, or in the Front,..??....

 

[THE BEEF]

Re: rebuild 3.8L omc V6

You might want to check the thread on Rapid O marine.
Sounds like they have a good price on long blocks.

 

[fendersfender]

Re: rebuild 3.8L omc V6

distributors are in rear...which is a chevy...right?

 

[KaGee]

Re: rebuild 3.8L omc V6

Well,....... I might be Wrong,.......Again,......

But I Believe those Old OMC 3.8ls are Buick Motors.....

If that Is in fact So,..... The 4.3l Really Isn't an Option,.....
Nothing will Fit.......

Are the Dist.s in the Rear of the Motor, or in the Front,..??....

Bondo's Wrong! Those are 229 Chevy's used 80-84.

There are several minor issues to overcome, but you could switch to a 4.3. The main issue is that the valve covers on the 4.3 are taller and your manifolds won't clear. That has to be addressed. The other issue is the intake. I'm not sure if they are swapable. None of the tin is swapable.

Rapido supplied my 3.8 long block.

I know of a source in Ontario that had several short block, minus the cam. You'd have to drive over to get them, but the price is real reasonable. Send me a PM if interested.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: rebuild 3.8L omc V6

That's me in Ontario....If you can drive over here....and you are serious,
It's your lucky day ...
hystat@hotmail.com

 

[fendersfender]

Re: rebuild 3.8L omc V6

thanks for the offer ontario.....too far a drive for me...i did call rapido marine and they do supply 3.8's....the price isnt too bad either.....i think i will go this route and repower with the 3.8's....tossed around the idea of selling this boat...but springs comin' and i got the itch!!!!
anyone other than kagee have any experience with rapido marine??

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: rebuild 3.8L omc V6

ok 8)
I've heard good things about Rapido.