Reasonably Priced 350 Mercruiser's
 

Hi Gang,

My apologies if this post belongs somewhere else.

So.........I got the news today that the 350 Mercruiser's in my 89 IMP 255 Eleganza are basically toast.

I was told that they can be rebuilt, but the recommendation is to get get some decent used ones, and call it a day.

Needles to say I've just scoured the internet (but I'm new to all of this) and everything I'm seeing looks good, but quite expensive.

What do I consider expensive, everything I'm seeing starts at around $6,000 and only goes up from there. (and that's for one engine)

I understand that complete engines are covered in specialized "Marine" parts necessary for these things to function in and on the water, but let's be honest.....at the heart, the blocks and their internals are no different than the 350 inside of a Z28 or Caprice Classic. (except for maybe the freeze plugs, and gaskets)

If any of you seasoned experts out there know of a place where a guy can get two decent 350's "without mortgaging his house".....I'd really appreciate the advice.

Don't get a motor from a car, get one from a truck because the cam is different (same as marine)
Look at pull-a-part (junk yard) and do the core plugs and gaskets. Being an 1989 it will be non-vortec so the intake has 12 bolts. Can swap to vortec motors but some of your attachments may not fit

All excellent points, and thanks, this is why I post in these forums.

You guys are a wealth of knowledge......:ernaehrung004:

Problem being they haven't put a 350 in a truck in 20 years.

maybe a rebuilt from GM?

Needing 2 the same would be the biggest issue finding used unless someone is parting a twin boat out.

I take it you're not doing the work?

What issues with the current ones in the boat classifies them as toast?
Unless the blocks and heads are rotted in the water passages.
A local machine shop should be able to do a basic rebuild of what you have reasonable IMO.
You're not looking for a over the top all out build.
Tried and true 350 rebuild kits hover around $300. for parts.

Do your due diligence before spending any money.
Simple search, I came across These from Jegs for $2100.
Just use your manifolds and tin. They have one with tin for $2200.

Can't vouch for the ATK as I've never used them. Heard of them. Google Jasper also, they're a mass rebuilder.
But they're 350's not to complicated.

Rebuilt ones from Jasper Engines are under 3K each

As Snapmorgan said above, a reman 350 is dime a dozen compared to big blocks. I’d save yourself the headache of a junkyard engine and get a reman or yours rebuilt.

MM has them for 2500
https://www.michiganmotorz.com/5-7l-...engine-1987-95

I was going to suggest them also, forgot as I was typing.
Hell they even have New GM with a 2 year warranty for $3550.

And furthermore Vice, if you go the MM route. Both the links I and Alldodge posted have a roller cam option, that I'd suggest you opt for.
Although I would of assumed the new already would be roller cam. But they list it as an option.

Pace Performance has some good deals. Warranty and new motors. Had several friends buy them because you can't rebuild one anymore for the price.