OK, had a little overheat problem on my 454. Boat is new to me and I've only had it out twice. Sure enough the impeller for the sea pump is torn up. Got that replaced. While I'm at it I'm going to replace the thermostat for good measure, right. Well the housing is so corroded I don't know how anything could be cooled with this, and then I'm trying to clean it up and discover that there's a hole in the housing . The only thing I can find to replace it with is like $500.
What are my options at this point? I'm in sticker shock on this one.
I have the new style config now.

You should be able to find a good working order used replacement for $50-100 bux. What style do you consider the "new style config."? I have one laying around, but I don't know which style or model it is. It is the typical Merc cast iron one that we've had on all of our boats so far.

wjb, here is a couple of pics of what i have.

http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/w...cture005-1.jpg

http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/w...cture004-1.jpg

We have this Stainless Steel Housing for $189.99