For what you’d spend to find a good 4.3 w/vortec heads you could install vortec heads, new cam, intake, and 4 barrel on your engine and push the power to 300-325. The only caveat is vortec heads were designed to run with a roller cam. Your engine probably has the bosses in the valley for the lifter retainer. But it’s unlikely they’ve been drilled and tapped. That would require a trip to the machine shop. Still, you won’t be the first to have this issue and I’m sure there are plenty of flat lifter cams that can work with those heads.
You’re the second person who has mentioned this oddball engine setup. I’m curious to know what gear ratio you have in your outdrive. If it’s a 1.5 that’s perfect for a vortec and 4 barrel. The mods may not improve your economy in terms of your fuel burn rate per hour. What 100 extra horses and a good prop will do is increase your cruise speed significantly so you won’t have to run it as long to get from point a to point b.
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