repower

[fendersfender]

Hello, I am considering repowering my '85 255 searay amberjack. It currently has twin 3.8L V6's with 800 series outdrives. I am considering upgrading to 4.3L. My question is: Is this do-able. Will 4.3's bolt in and if any changes need to be made what are they. Any input or advise would be greatly appreciated. This probably will be a project for next winter. thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: repower

You may already know that both of those are basically smallblock GM motors with two cylinders chopped off. The 4.3 is like a 6 cyl 5.7, and the 3.8 is like a 5L. Stuff that bolts onto one should bolt onto the other. Your main difference is going to be the carb jetting. 800 drives will certainly with withstand the increased torque of a 4.3, and they'll handle smallblock V-8 just fine too. There shouldn't be too many obstacles to overcome. One other that comes to mind is the intake manifolds. The 3.8s won't have the balance shaft that the 4.3s will and I've run accross manifolds that don't allow for that shaft.