Should a V8 fit in the space of the 3.0L?

[dorelse]

In theory, the length from transom to the front should be about the same right?  Just wider, correct? 

Need to find the lost 4 cylinders, or maybe only 2 (4.3L V6) in Barfly...there is a Vortec block in Omaha.  But I'd need all the other bits...seems like the sbc setup is far more plentiful in donor boats...

[Plugcheck]

I considered a similar transformation with my 16ss, but realized the glass work to provide access was the idea killer.  There is a fella that has/had a 16 he put a ford v8 in, met him a couple times at Rathbun.  Seemed tight, but he opened up the sides to provide access.  In the end, I found it more practical to go 18' with factory v8.  Makes my insurance agent happier too.

[Jason]

In the end, I found it more practical to go 18' with factory v8.  Makes my insurance agent happier too.

Agreed!

[dorelse]

That's Kurt...The 'easy' option for more HP would be the Rich conversion to the 190HP 3.7L Mercruiser.  That needs 6" more forward room.

We'll see.  4.3L V6 might be the safest option since I already have some parts set aside.

[75starflight]

I would go with the 4.3 option IMO give you that little more bang for your buck. you have a good hull why mod it any more than you have too.

[dorelse]

I would go with the 4.3 option IMO give you that little more bang for your buck. you have a good hull why mod it any more than you have too.

The only real mod would be engine mounts and removing the wet flotation boxes  (V8 or V6)...the rest is just bolting on parts.  If the I4 fits a V8 should no problem...we'll see what happens.

[75starflight]

I would go with the 4.3 option IMO give you that little more bang for your buck. you have a good hull why mod it any more than you have too.

The only real mod would be engine mounts and removing the wet flotation boxes  (V8 or V6)...the rest is just bolting on parts.  If the I4 fits a V8 should no problem...we'll see what happens.

I do have a 350 block sitting in the shop we could mock it up with.

[kert0307]

Good luck. I responded to your email. As others have said you might be better off with a CVX18. The reason I did mine was that the motor was litterally frozen with rust in my cvx16 when I got it. My donor boat that I grabbed the 302 and drive out of was purchased in a running state for $250(boat and trailer)... so that made the decision for me. As for insurance. When I went to insure the boat I told them the model and that it had a Mercruiser 188 in it and they had no problem with it...

The main challenge is the exhaust. The rest is bolt and go.

[Shorty]

Call me crazy but I'd go for it if you like the idea. Not a very tough job.

You have an existing engine bay cover/hatch. Pretty easy to cover that joker with plastic wrap and mold release, and layer it with matt to make a new starting point for a new custom cowl (I wouldn't hack up the original, considering how easy and inexpensive it is to mold from it) - then you could start modifying from that.... presuming you need more room than the original provides.

[kert0307]

It's not the cowl that is the problem. A V8 is wider than the 4cy cowl, so the risers off the factory logs will collide with the top of the built in "sundeck" on the sides of the engine bay cover.

[Shorty]

Ah, I see. What about custom exhaust/headers? or a shorter aftermarket setup?

I certainly wouldn't want to hack into the hull personally

[kert0307]

I used some aluminum water-jacketed exhaust off a jet boat that had to have a small modification done, but nothing major. They do have risers at the back, but they are not as high as the mercruiser's so they fit. I have never seen another set come up for sale like what i used though, so they must be a little rare...

Frankm on the national site who did it before me made a custom water-jacketed setup out of stainless...I'm pretty sure his did not have risers.

[kert0307]

Just a teaser for you...

and for me since I haven't even fired this thing up since last year.. 

You can see how tight that Nicson manifold fits in there towards the end of the video.

https://www.facebook.com/kurtis.stockdale/videos/10101937242816830/