Mbam

I think it's a great deal, ready to go in the boat, turn-key, full factory warranty - of course my opinion is biased

cuda

I found out the hard way why Merc engines cost so much, it's because they are worth it. I could have bought a brand new 350, for what three SBC's cost me for my Minx. It's sold now, but if I had to do it again, it's a Merc or nothing at all.

jmherbert

Well,

Finally got the motor pulled and inspected. The verdict is new shortblock by way of ingested brass item. I am guessing it was a wingnut. Your guess is as good as mine how it got in there.

resurrected

Saw a trans am engine swallow a zeus fastener once, at about 7 grand. It was ugly

hunster

What he said. Do the 383 from bam! You'll be happy you did.

jmherbert

Mbam,

What would shipping come to to zip code 50021?

And for anyone else that knows,

Also, mine drive is an alpha, w/14" flywheel. Since I have the alpha bellhousing, that isn't a problem, but what about the starter, seawater pump and accessories?

Also, are the wiring harnesses interchangeable? What about throttle linkage?

If I were to purchase, I would also pull the stock exhaust and throw my Revolutions on it. I'm guessing thats not enough of a change for a re-map, but I would want to be certain.

If I were to go this route, I would want it to be a very easy change, since I can get what I have fixed for less than 1/2 that cost.

thanks

cuda

Multiply that number for a cheaper fix times three, and you should be in the ball park. Go Merc, or don't go at all. It's your money, but I'm speaking from experience.

resurrected

cuda has lots of experience!

jmherbert

Trust me, I hear ya!

The shortblock I would get would be of better internals than what the merc motor would be. (forged pistons, etc) It would be built by a builder with plenty of experience and reputation. They specialize in race motors, but they do a few marine here and there. They build something like 400-500 SBC's per year. The Merc motor would have less power, but the advantage of being able to use 87 octane. (and EFI)

IF the swap would be simple enough, with perhaps the only additions to it would be the Revolution exhaust, and maybe my Stef's Oil pan.

I could recoup some costs by selling those Dart heads, my new BG carb, and perhaps that oil pan.

The most important factor to me right now is if I were to spend that kind of money (especially on a boat that isn't worth it) I would get pretty frustrated if I had to do a lot of modifications as mentioned to get the thing to work.

jmherbert

Just ordered the 383 Mag from Mbam. He was very helpful, and I would recommend his services to anyone.

Recovered about $1000 already by selling the heads/shortblock from the old motor. Got Revolution exhaust )1 yr old) for a SBC and a Barry Grant 750 Mech secondaries/w electric choke (about 30 min use) to sell.

Thanks to Marc (Mbam) for the helpfulness!