Hi all, I am a first time poster. I just purchased a 1985 CC Scorpion 230SL. The boat is in great shape, with one exception - the Mercruiser 350 is seized. Apparently the boat was not winterized last fall - water is not a great lubricant for bearings...

I will be doing the rebuild myself. I have another 4 bolt main block (if needed) and I also have a good 400 crank. Here's the question; I would like a little more mid-range torque and possibly a litte more top end without sacrificing too much fuel economy - would it be better to simply rebuild the 350 and go with Vortec heads and a bit better cam (Comp Cams or Crane) or would the 383 be the way to go?

I know, it is a loaded question and the first question will be how much do I want to spend - for argument sake, let's say $2500 for parts and machining.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Len

The alpha drive won't be very happy with much in the way of upgrades.

How about the stroker kit, the vortech heads?? You still should be able to have a decent 383 for that kinda money... As for the alpha, it will last a good amount of time if you do not go pulling hole shots like a mad man.. I had a alpha last 3 years, i was not the easiest on it, was putting 400 hp through it.. When it did let go, there was a chance that it was do to another issue, not the power issue...


John jr

You can get a decent Scat 383 crank for about 250-300.00, a set of Scat 6 in. rods for another 250-300.00 and a set of hypertectic pistons for around 300.00 bucks So if you do your block .30 over you could have a nice short block minus cam for under 1500.00 so you could be under 2500.00 for a motor. SCATT STUFF IS PRETTY GOOD YOU GOT TO SHOP FOR THE PRICES.I just did one for under 2500.00 JOHN SR my 2 cents

Thanks - so, it can be done within my budget.

I also have access to a Scat crank at a very reasonable price (if not free).

I know that there are limitations to the Alpha drive, so I would have to play accordingly.

Another loaded question - what sort of power should it produce with a mild cam upgrade?

I would think with a decent cam and a good intake400 HP JOHN SR

Anything in the 350 - 400 range would be adequate for what I intend to use the boat for.

Don't sweat the fuel economy in marine applications. That's like looking for virtuosity in a whore house.

A 350 is gonna get around 3 mpg on average. The 383 will get about 3 mpg.

I highly recommend adding to displacement via a stroker kit.

I would argue you'd be closer to the 300-350 hp with a mild cam.

Good luck with your project!

Well I agree with the others and say stroke it. I would try to splurge on the budget a bit though and go with forged pistons and a hyd roller camshaft.

Cobra Power has a decent looking rotating assembly that I am considering to build a pair of 383's for mine.

http://www.cobrapower.com/rotating-a...-balanced.html

What do you think...look like a pretty good set up for the $$$?