www.iFourWinns.com

Hello, I am a Noob to this site and to the boating world. Recently I bought a 1989 180 Horizon in pretty sweet shape with a matching Four Winns trailer off of Craigslist cheap. The previous owner found water in the oil so he went through and installed new head gaskets. He had told me that the head gaskets were definitely bad. He couldn't get it running after he put it together I took a chance and bought it. I spent a few hours on it adjusting the valves,setting timing,putting a starter on,etc. Got it running fairly well but had a slight tick in the engine. Took it to the lake over labor day and the tick turned into a knock which didn't bother me cause its still getting water in the oil anyway. We ran it all weekend like we stole it to make sure the outdrive and everything else worked to make sure it was worth putting a motor in. Everything worked sweet. Right now I am leaning towards a Jasper Remanufactured Marine Engine. They have a pretty good rep for automotive but I don't know about their marine applications. Anybody have any input or recommendations for me. My employer is a Jasper dealer so I can get cost on the motor and it has a 18 month warranty. That is my main reason for leaning that way. I know in automotive a few years ago all the rage was to swap on a set of Vortec heads for some more compression/more H.P. Does that ring true for boats as well? I know you have to swap to a Vortec specific intake and all that. I have also heard that the limiting factor for increased H.P. Levels on a boat is determined by the exhaust manifolds you have. Is this true? I would like a little more power out of the 6 (as I wanted a small block boat to begin with but this was too good of a deal to walk away from) I just don't want to throw good money after bad by making upgrades but not picking up any/much power due to restrictive manifolds. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
James

Several people in my area have put Jasper re-builds in their boats. It's kind of a local standard. I would not hesitate buying one.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thanks for the reply Capn. I see your location is West Michigan. Where exactly are you at and where do you spend your time on the water at? I am from St.Johns about 20 min North of Lansing. We spend pretty much all our time up at Higgins lake on the North Side. We have a family member that has a cottage right on the water. I just graduated to the boat from Sea doos. Higgins is a beautiful lake to play on.

James

We boat on Lake Michigan primarily. Grand Have, Muskegon and Whitehall area. Our boat is too big for Higgins. It is a nice lake though.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Cheapest 4.3 you can get (car or marine).

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

At the risk of sounding dumb, why is your boat to big for Higgins Capn? I see it is a 28 footer. My wifes old neighbor has a 34 or 35 ft Cigarette boat with twin BBC in it and he has run his up there many times.

Ric- cheap is good I agree. But I am doing the swap myself and only want to do it once. Used motors are out of the question cause you never know what you are going to get. I spoke with someone yesterday that said Jasper marine engines were not worth beans and told me to stay away from them. He couldn't give me a solid answer in my opinion but that is why I am asking for others input. I want to do the swap once and be able to play on the water not wrench on it.

Really, the best option is to get yours rebuilt using better parts. Forged rods and pistons (not cast or hyperujunkits). Total seal rings (the no gap style). ARP bolts used everywhere. MLS head gaskets. High(er) pressure oil pump. Timing gear conversion kit (get rid of the chain). And if your engine is pre vortec, get a set of rebuilt vortec heads.

All said and done, you'll have a bullet proof engine that will still be running 20 years from now abused everyday and probably still cheaper then a crap Jasper.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

I can get cost on a jasper which is $1650. The stuff you listed will cost more in parts alone. I have looked into doing that. Parts plus machine work will definitely be more than that and that's with me doing the assembly on it. Still looking in to all options though all things will be considered.

Jasper engines use cast rods/pistons and cheap felpro style gaskets. You'll get a few seasons at best. If you plan to own a new (to you) boat in a few years then just get the jasper.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

What about buying a new long motor from GM? At least you know everything is new this way...

Replacing your 1986-1996 4.3L
There is now a NEW GM direct replacement engine for the older 1986-1992 Mercruiser, OMC, and Volvo. It can be easily identified by the 12 bolt pattern intake manifold. This is a non-Vortec engine, non-balance shaft design, but with roller camshaft, fuel pump pad, and 1 piece rear main seal. The long block engines includes no intake, flywheel, balancer, or water pump.

Or you can always update to one of the newer Vortec engines...??

http://www.perfprotech.com/store/catalog/Boat-Long-Block-Engines-43L-V6,5973.aspx

_________________


Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Well, I guess I have made a decision. I found a whole entire used motor from spark arrestor to oil pan on Ebay. It was in a boat that was traded in to a marina do to a bad stringer and it wiped the engine coupler out. I am getting the whole motor, entire outdrive, controls ,etc for a grand. The motor is fully dressed with all accessories and they are going to fire it up for me so I can hear it run. It has been inspected by a tech and said to be good and they also imformed me that it was one of their service customers boats so they have some history on how it was taken care maintanance wise. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be a good one. This is going to be the most cost effective way to get the job done. I just hope it lasts. Heading for Indiana to take a look tomorrow morning.

James

well i wound up buying the used motor. it fired right up and sounded good. It is cleaner than the motor in my boat and all they did is pull it out. They stated that they did not was it or do anything else to it other than pull it. I think I got a solid buy and cant wait for the spring to enjoy it. Got lots of extras with it too. total investment buying boat and motor will be $2500 or less. I can handle that.
Thanks for the replies

James

Cool! Hope it all works out, which I bet it does.

_________________
Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4