re-powing

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by 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

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...


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.

[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. @ 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!