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SBC to stroke or not...

Old 09-14-2011, 12:20 PM
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Default SBC to stroke or not...

Hi all, I am a first time poster. I just purchased a 1985 CC Scorpion 230SL. The boat is in great shape, with one exception - the Mercruiser 350 is seized. Apparently the boat was not winterized last fall - water is not a great lubricant for bearings...

I will be doing the rebuild myself. I have another 4 bolt main block (if needed) and I also have a good 400 crank. Here's the question; I would like a little more mid-range torque and possibly a litte more top end without sacrificing too much fuel economy - would it be better to simply rebuild the 350 and go with Vortec heads and a bit better cam (Comp Cams or Crane) or would the 383 be the way to go?

I know, it is a loaded question and the first question will be how much do I want to spend - for argument sake, let's say $2500 for parts and machining.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Len
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Old 09-14-2011, 12:25 PM
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The alpha drive won't be very happy with much in the way of upgrades.
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Old 09-14-2011, 12:46 PM
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How about the stroker kit, the vortech heads?? You still should be able to have a decent 383 for that kinda money... As for the alpha, it will last a good amount of time if you do not go pulling hole shots like a mad man.. I had a alpha last 3 years, i was not the easiest on it, was putting 400 hp through it.. When it did let go, there was a chance that it was do to another issue, not the power issue...


John jr
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Old 09-14-2011, 01:23 PM
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Default 383

You can get a decent Scat 383 crank for about 250-300.00, a set of Scat 6 in. rods for another 250-300.00 and a set of hypertectic pistons for around 300.00 bucks So if you do your block .30 over you could have a nice short block minus cam for under 1500.00 so you could be under 2500.00 for a motor. SCATT STUFF IS PRETTY GOOD YOU GOT TO SHOP FOR THE PRICES.I just did one for under 2500.00 JOHN SR my 2 cents
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Old 09-14-2011, 01:36 PM
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Thanks - so, it can be done within my budget.

I also have access to a Scat crank at a very reasonable price (if not free).

I know that there are limitations to the Alpha drive, so I would have to play accordingly.

Another loaded question - what sort of power should it produce with a mild cam upgrade?

Last edited by Lennox60; 09-14-2011 at 02:52 PM.
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Old 09-14-2011, 03:04 PM
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I would think with a decent cam and a good intake400 HP JOHN SR
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Old 09-14-2011, 09:20 PM
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Anything in the 350 - 400 range would be adequate for what I intend to use the boat for.
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Old 09-14-2011, 11:32 PM
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Don't sweat the fuel economy in marine applications. That's like looking for virtuosity in a whore house.

A 350 is gonna get around 3 mpg on average. The 383 will get about 3 mpg.

I highly recommend adding to displacement via a stroker kit.

I would argue you'd be closer to the 300-350 hp with a mild cam.

Good luck with your project!
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Old 09-15-2011, 02:12 AM
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Well I agree with the others and say stroke it. I would try to splurge on the budget a bit though and go with forged pistons and a hyd roller camshaft.
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Old 09-15-2011, 07:47 AM
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Cobra Power has a decent looking rotating assembly that I am considering to build a pair of 383's for mine.

http://www.cobrapower.com/rotating-a...-balanced.html

What do you think...look like a pretty good set up for the $$$?
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