SBC to stroke or not...
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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
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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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
John jr
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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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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?
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.
#8
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!
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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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 $$$?
http://www.cobrapower.com/rotating-a...-balanced.html
What do you think...look like a pretty good set up for the $$$?