I cannot find where I read this but....

some older stingrays came with BB as an option, most of the newer stuff has SB.

I heard there was a change in dimension at some particular year that doesnt easily allow for a SB to BB swap without moving the rear seat.

can anyone clarify this? and is there any advantage to one year model over the next?

Im talking about a 220 or 230 LX (bowrider) model

thanks!!

The 230sx you can get a big block in it. I work for a stingray dealer so if i can be of any help. Let me know.

I think the old Maxim 222 you could get a 330 hp in the late 80's

i thought that i read somewhere though. that in the newer boats the space isnt there.

i know there are some stingrays out there with BB power, but more with SB power, and i want to be able to convert one if needed.

a friend of mine had a 06 23 with a 496, very tight fit but worked good 70MPH

I have heard that too.

what im thinking is buying a SB with a B1 drive and dropping in my 502. but at some year or production they squeezed the engine compartment. not leaving enough for the big block.

maybe that was just the 220 and not the 230, dont know. just needing some information.

anyone know how the dimension stack up between the two motors as far as clearance in front of the pullies???

You are talking about the 230LX it came with a BBC as an option, the new style 220LX never did. The 230SX still does.
It was in 2003-2004 (cant remember exactly) Stingray realized they did not sell many BBC in that boat and moved the rear seat back 4". which would no longer accommodate a BBC. So unbolt the newer 230LX's rear seat and move it Fwd 4". It will run 70-72 with a 502 mag or 496 mag. the 502 is by far the better engine for mods. But the hull is only good to about high 80's low 90's with lots of set up time. I tried an ilmore V10 in a 230SX was too much. Picked up about 7mph swapping the ilmore to a 27 Daytona. So dont mod it much the boat is plenty fast @ mid 70's and will smoke most runabouts in its class. Run a Mirage plus 25, Ive tried them all the hull likes the bow lift and to run loose.
We are one of the first Stingray dealers since 1981... A great fast family sport boat..

I was hoping youd find this, i saw your posts on an older thread. thank you!
so 03-04 is where the change happend. im not clear though. the lx the seat was moved and the sx still can accomodate the bbc correct?

that 70-72 would be great, i have a 502 in the 500-550hp range, thatd be a nice ride in the lx boat.

what does it take to move that seat, nothing is really molded in is it?

what about these boats with a stern jack, did you ever test those?

Yes the 230SX and Lx share the same hull. the rear seat placement on the SX did not change so it can still take a BBC. on the Lx you may find cutting away some stringer for the bravo sea water pump will make things easier. Just seal it back up with some glass after the adjustment. You will find the drive is very deep and it will take a lot of trim for top speed. or get brave and re glass the trans and raise the X- 3-4"..
The seat is just screwed down an easy change.we pull them to work on the front on the engines when necessary.
550 crankshaft hp will get you 80 with the proper set up. We did a Raylor on a 496 mag and were somewhere near there. Cant remember for sure.
I never tried a sternjack on a Stingray, but if they would hold up The stingray with the deep drive would be a good candidate for one. ask around here to see if they are worth anything, I really don't hear anyone talking about them..
I dont see all the Stingray topics, so feel free to PM me if you need anything, or I don't respond..
I just took in one of my old Demo boats on trade for a new 230SX. Its a 230SX with the standup bolsters (not an option anymore) 502Mag, all red. maybe 450hrs. I had the prop labbed by Dennis Cavanaugh (merc racing), it ran 72 on GPS.. I didn't do a thing to the motor, all the maintenance has been done since new by us. The only downfall is the red is a lot of upkeep and needs to be buffed and wet sanded.

why don't you just buy my 251 without power ?? no problem putting that engine in..even set-up for a blower if you want to go even faster....Rob