1984 Merc 350 rebuild
 

I recently bought a1984 Formula 242 LS and was told it was mechanically perfect with the motor and carb just being redone...but of course that was a lie. It is a freshwater boat but the motor has water in it and a bent valve and no cracks in the block that I could see. Am I better off going with a reman long block or going with a rebuild? Does it make sense to switch to Vortec Heads and a new intake or just have the stock ones rebuilt? I am also looking at thru hull options if you have any suggestions. I am trying to keep my budget around $2500.

Do yourself a favor and check out Michigan motorz. Trust me one thing will lead to another thing to another and another. More than likely the engine hydro locked. I will post an interesting link for you to ck out. This was a counter rotating engine but you'll get the idea.

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https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...4-mag-efi.html

A take out 5.7 or even 6.2 mpi motor can be had for a few bucks more if you look around.

There is a car dealer in VA sells new crate engines for 1700 free shipping. I think they are even a decent mild performance cam. I would consider changing to 454 though. That 242 is a heavy little beast. Ain't fast with a small block. Of course it is an alpha which doesn't like big blocks. Radley chebby. Fredericksburg VA. find ad on ebay. Just don't tell em it is going in a boat. They don't warranty marine use. But I would take brand new built by chebby no warranty over most rebuilt with 90 days...