Until my 401k turned into a 401 money was not an issue. Now it is so here is where I need some input.

I can save a bunch of cash by not buying a brand new 5.7 efi bravo 3.

Mercury has some nice re manufactured 5.7 deals out there. However these motors are not FWC. and are a Carb model producing the same horsepower (300+).

Since I boat in saltwater, would I be penny foolish? Or will the engine last longer than it takes to wear it out?

Will the carb model perform as well as the efi?

Thanks for any input.

Carbs are fine, and can make great power and work very well if you jet them for and boat at a fixed altitude. Will it be ever be as completely clean and perfect as an efi setup- no, but it can be close enough so that it wont really matter. A setup demon carb is a fantastic alternative.

From experience (with a friends 24ft chaparell) .....If continuously run and not flushed salt water will turn an iron SBC innards to powder in approximately 6 years. Note this boat was in a slip in Marina del Rey.

If you flush it often and mix with fresh water perhaps 10 years before real trouble like that sets in, but expect accelerated wear on water pumps, and accessories.

Is there a problem using the engine you've got? or is it just the salt worry?


Uncle Dave

Sorry I was not clear on engine. I have zero for engine and drive train. I am starting from scratch.

Harl,
My cousin had a reman 350 Mercruiser carb engine put in his fountain about three seasons ago. I talk to him pretty often and he has had absolutely no problems with it. He is also strictly salt water ... Cape Cod area. We were going to rebuild his, but the corrosion was pretty bad and the price and warranty on the Mercruiser engine could not be beat.

I am not a boater personally, but from what I have seen working on quite a few marine engines, if I was starting from scratch and had a boat that needed an engine, the only way to go would be fresh water cooled. Especially in a salt water environment.

Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

Have you looked at other resources for marine engines? Jasper rebuilds, take outs, PCM engine mercruiser is pretty pricey. What are you putting it in?

Jasper 350 300hp is around 3000. FYI it is NOT fresh water cooled but that is an option.

Why not just add the closed cooling systems to them????

Ditto, should be less than $300 to add closed cooling

Buy closed cooling before E.F.I. for sure!

The problem with a Jasper is I have to add induction, ignition and etc. so the 3k price starts to move up fast.

I am starting from zero...no parts.

However the opinion is get a closed cooling system. So now I will be watching for a take out or close out on a complete system ready to go.