re-powing

[schwa]

i'm going re-power my 1980 v20 . its an i/o with a mercruiser 470/165 hp alunm. block. i was thinking of getting brand new. the 3.0 with the alpha outdrive. but on another site called the bass barn. (im from the philly /atlantic city area). i was getting alot of feedback that that engine with the EFI, it was putting out 135 h.p. and the tourq wasn't good at all! then i have some people tell me its plenty?? does anyone have good info on this? also if i have to go to the 4.3 v-6 is the engine box big enough on our boat? with the re-powering, i'm also going with all new gauges . i was looking at complete controll panels with new ignition, the one i was looking at was made by mar-lan.and a new throttle mount,single lever side mount any ideas ? thanks for everything, this is a great site!..... francis wurtenberg

[spareparts]

I personally don't think the 3.0 will be enough. I haven't priced one lately, but the 4.3 used to cost more than the 5.0 V8. Check with ebasicpower.com or marineenginedepot.com If you can find a good used transom assembly and drive, you could install a new drop in motor. Look for later model boats that have had a frozen motor or damaged hull. Most people on this site will tell you to glass up the transom, bolt on a bracket, and mount an outboard.

[schwa]

thanks spareparts..... the outboard thing..... not happening..lol:sand:

[schwa]

these are the prices..... 5.7L.Alpha I Gen II COMPLETE PACKAGE $11,942Installed !!! 3.OL.135hp Alpha I Gen II $7,200 Installed !!!COMPLETE PACKAGE* 350 Mag MPI300hp WOW!!!COMPLETE PACKAGE*$13,800 Installed !!! 4.3L 190hpAlpha I Gen IICOMPLETE PACKAGE$9,600 Installed !!!

[reelapeelin]

i'm going re-power my 1980 v20 . its an i/o with a mercruiser 470/165 hp alunm. block. i was thinking of getting brand new. the 3.0 with the alpha outdrive. but on another site called the bass barn. (im from the philly /atlantic city area). i was getting alot of feedback that that engine with the EFI, it was putting out 135 h.p. and the tourq wasn't good at all! then i have some people tell me its plenty?? does anyone have good info on this? also if i have to go to the 4.3 v-6 is the engine box big enough on our boat? with the re-powering, i'm also going with all new gauges . i was looking at complete controll panels with new ignition, the one i was looking at was made by mar-lan.and a new throttle mount,single lever side mount any ideas ? thanks for everything, this is a great site!..... francis wurtenberg


A lot boils down to what YOU want out of your boat...are you pulling up skiers/wakeboarders?...do you need a strong hole-shot?...are you comfortable w/cruising in mid to high 20 mph range?...on the other hand, if you are pulling skiers and want a higher cruise-speed, go back to the 165 HP...having experienced the bigger motor, I think you are going to miss the 30 HP...I know I would...it would be a shame to lay down the $$ you're about to and be disappointed every time you throttle up...

Keep us posted on which way you go...we know what it'll do w/the 470...but it might help others out in the future if the 3.0 is sufficient...and remember...pictures are ALWAYS good...:pic:


Now that you've posted the numbers, I'd jump on the 4.3!!...nice compromise on price/weight and plenty of HP!!...

[schwa]

yeah, i take her up to about 25 miles out. sometimes on the summer weekends, the inlets get a little crowded!! and its better to have alittle extra then not enough!! its going to be $2400.00 more for the 4.3, but i think it might be worth it

[step up here]

you are buying back your ride. be sure before you commit to look at the hull and stringers. it can get expense when you dont do any of this work yourself.i know its a hard call when you already have owned a v 20 and witnessed the performance of a awesome rig. [for its size]. good luck in your choice.:clap:

[spareparts]

did they have a price for a 5.0L MPI?

[captpete13]

you should also check with Marine Power in Farmingdale NJ. They usually have good deals. Mercruiser also offers certified pre owned motors through dealers. I could check price and availability for you if you want. Do you just need an engine or do you want to replace the engine,transom, and drive?

[cfelton]

Have you considered rebuilding your motor or getting a rebuilt longblock. Mercruiser and Jasper sells good rebuilt longblocks!

[schwa]

@ spareparts: they were the only engine package deals with outdrives,the cheapest i found so far. it just happens to be 3 block from my home! its called mcgoverns marine sevice. www.mcgovernsmarine.com (http://www.mcgovernsmarine.com). @ step up here: thanks i'll need all the help and info i can get. im new to owning a boat. ive had her for 4 years now, but been fishing off her for about 12 years. she used to be my best friends girl, now shes mine!!..lol. so i'll make sure she good for new power, thanks again.. @ capt.pete: if you don't mine looking. going with the whole-thing engine & outdrive. @ cfelton if money was an issue maybe, but after 31 years she deserves new!!!.. its just time ,shes been nickel and dimeing me to death. so guys, im i going about this the right way? she's not the prettiest, but she does everything ive asked her to do, its my fish hurst! i love the outdoors and fishing! and i'm ruff on her when fishing, with bait,weights, etc. i guess what im getting at is that i would like a dependable,safe boat ,over a cosmedical beauty... its my backbay, river fishing ,ocean drifting baby!:beer:

[THEFERMANATOR]

I personally would have the gimble rebuilt with new bellows and such, install a new SEI outdrive, and find a rebuilt 3.7L 4 cylinder for it if it was my boat, but I wrench on my own so that changes things. I don't there is a better engine option out there than the old 3.7L 4 banger that MERCRUISER offerred for a V-20.

[schwa]

i know!! that engine was an awesome 4 cylinder!! why did they stop making them? its a work horse, keep oil in it and it run forever!!

[chart]

from what i understand the 470 is half of a ford 460 big block they made a 4 barrel version that made 220 horse i believe. lots of torque

[brisboats]

I am in your same situation. Considering dropping in a 3.0 for the economy and cost of ownership. The way I measured I can drop the 3.0 right in any "V" configuration 4.3/5.0/5.7 is going to need some glass work done for the engine mounts. I am not concerned about top speed speed, just want a smooth idle, ability to plane and economic operation. If things keep going the way they are in the middle east I may have to put a sailing rig on her too.

Brian

[captpete13]

I checked some pricing for you. Mercury remanufacturing offers a 4.3 for $4868 and a 5.0 for $6243. Or they have a new complete package (4.3,transom,drive) for $8895.

[schwa]

are you a member of the bassbarn? anyway, its just like these forum. but for new jersey shore fishing. and i put some post on that, about the same post i put on here. a man ,chuck page answered alot of question and has his own shop, and wondered if you ever heard of him? here is his link http://www.cpmarineservices.com/ .... there was alot of nice things said about him on the barn. i;m thinking of letting him re-power my boat.and you guys helped me out a ton here also, and was wonder what you think? look like a well reputed place? ... thanks bro..... franny

[captpete13]

I've never heard of him. I live and work in Ocean County. About 80 miles north of that guy. Looking at his website he looks very legit. He is a master mercruiser tech which isn't easy to get. Other than that I can't offer any advise.

[schwa]

yeah the website and all that stuff was good and i talked to him on the phone. very down to earth, knews exactly what i was talk about on little things about the boat and motor, he also owned one! he basiclly said the samething THEFERMANATOR told me to do, and that dude sounds like he knows his **** too, well thanks for all your help my friend. seasons almost he!....franny

[rsipe]

have available 1984 488 engine with compression of 170 on all cyls,new alternator, starter, new style exhaust manifold, and 4" cooler. transom asby with all new rubber and bearing, trim pump, and 2001 outdrive 181 ratio. all excellent in my opinion. reason for removal --redoing the whole boat, found mpi 4.3 V6 with transom and outdrive. the V6 will fit in the engine compartment and the engine cover will fit. you will have to fiberglass in the front engine mounts. If you decide to do V6 I'll be glad to help you with the size and measurements. my V20 with the 488 engine runs 40 to 43 mph and uses 7 gph @ 25 mph. [email protected]

[step up here]

:head:how fast do you expect to go with 4.3 v6 you are really flying with the 3.7 good luck with your new power plant

[cfelton]

I'm with Ferm, I'd rebuild your 3.7 or find another. My buddy and I both rebuilt out 170's for around 700 -1500 bucks, complete! Mine was already bored to .040 over so I replaced the rings, two pistons, bearings, gaskets, pertronics ignition and new head for around 800.00 dollars. My buddy's was original, had his bored .030 over, new pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, oil pump, and head for about 1500.00 dollars. We both are mechanics so we tore down and reassembled both ourselves. They're very easy to rebuild. Both are running very strong with no problems. Find a good machine shop and do the numbers, you might be surprised. Its something you should consider.