boater50 wrote:
I agree with rpenger....get a new crate motor...you'll never regret it! Can't beat new after all.....if you got the boat for next to nothing then this makes the most sense. People will say; " go get a truck motor or car eng. and put your marine intake, carb, starter and so on onto the block, by in my opinion, unless your a real "gear-head" it's probably not worth the time and effort. Plus, a truck engine really isn't the same as a marine motor.......there are just too many differences....cam, cooling passages, carb, bearings, block freeze plugs, etc. That's just way too much stuff to change when doing a car eng. swap as far as I'm concerned. My .02......I know I'll probably catch some hell from some people on this forum.......
If you go with the crate motor option you better make sure the bell housing will bolt to the new engine. And when I was referring to the truck block I should have been more specific. Use the engine block only. Reuse the cam, crank, pistons if still in good shape, connecting rods, timing chain if not stretched, oil pan, heads, ignition system, carb, etc from the original engine. The cooling passages as far as i know would not be any different between a marine or automotive engine. Get a marine gasket kit, brass freeze plugs and a good set of bearings. But in the end it is your decision just make sure you research if it will bolt up to your drive. After all it's a ford not a chevy which is universal through almost all makes and models. I swapped out my 5.0 with a 5.8 and there was a huge difference between the two and yes I used an engine out of a truck including the block and crank, connecting rods, new 10-1 pistons a mild cam etc. Not a problem in year and a half.
