223 repower
 

I have a 1984 formula 223 with bad motor and I would like to upgrade a little. My goal is to get the boat to do 60mph and I don't think a stock 350 will do it. Looking through Craigslist I found this ad for a 383.does this sound like a good deal?? What would you do??http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/boa/3588881558.html

What drive do you have? If its an Alpha you would be asking alot of your outdrive.

The drive is an alpha and yes it is on the upgrade list also. I'm hoping to get the season out of the drive.

You might get more feedback here if you call the number and get some basic info like: shop name, location, core charge...and post that info in here.

No problem with your thinking...but also consider this:

Since you know you plan to upgrade to a Bravo...why not get a 454/496/502 and make your goal easy. My brother is doing this with a Formula F3 (223) as we speak. He bought a decent truck 454 out of a motor home, put brass freeze plugs in it, Felpro Marine gasket kit and marine exhaust. He figures about $1500~$2000 in the engine total including brackets,Exhaust, Intake, raw water pump, etc.

I have recent experience with the Bravo swap. You need to change everything because your 223 is possibly Pre Alpha and you don't want to go down the Flywheel Bell Housing road with that so ...you need Alpha/Bravo Bell housing, Bravo Coupler, Bravo Transom Assembly, rams, Trim Pump, Steering Ram and an Externally Balanced Flywheel. As for the drive. Get a Bravo I '92 or later with the "Screw In" gears...the pressed in (pre '92 I think) are marginal and subject to separation...if you loose that upper gear set you will "grenade" the drive.. If you shop hard here and locally you might be able to put that together with DECENT equipment for $2500~$3000.

Look through some of the Sandy salvage stuff...you might find the whole package for less.

Oh...BTW...I have been on a 223 with 400 HP/475 Ft # Big Block/Bravo I and can tell you it is a sweet package. This one was set up as an offshore Fisherman with a Tower, out riggers, down riggers, etc. and will run 67 GPS with a 25" Mirage Plus. It will cruise for hours at 50~55. The owner makes monthly trips from West Pam Beach to the Abacos in the Bahamas...250~300 mile round trip. It is 67 miles from Palm Beach Inlet to Freeport~Lucaya and he does that leg of the trip comfortably in 1 1/2 hours in 2'~4' seas and has done it in 4'~6' seas in 3 hours. The 223 is one tough boat and with a single Big Block or a stout Small Block is one of the finest rigs on the water.:evilb:

Enjoy your project and keep us in the loop as to your progress.

I was think about staying with a small block fro a few reasons. The sm block is lighter, it should be a little better on fuel and it will bolt up to what I have now, exhaust, accessories,ect. I'm looking for something that will be reliable and last for a long time.

Does Anyone have any though on these two options?? I'm leaning towards the carberated crusader motor because its more of a complete package but I also like the vortech motor. What do you think??http://www.1800runsnew.com/NLM/powerpack-NLM.htmlhttp://www.1800runsnew.com/newbase-details-NLM.html#350

I've been searching for as much info as I can so I do not make a mistake with this purchase. While gathering info I have change my mind again I'm looking at the mpi 5.7 crusader(SD power pack) is there anyone running this motor that wouldn't mind sharing their thoughts. Also I've found a hand full or older posts with unhappy customers of 1800runsnew they sound like a company to stay away from??

Just my two cents both both of those 5.7's are going to struggle to break 55, you'll be much happier with a mild big block....

Would a big block with a bravo 1 bolt in or would I have to modify the boat to get it to fit?
Are the motor mounts in the boat in the same place?
How about changing from an alpha1 to a brovo1 would the brovo fit in the same holes in the transom?