Heart transplant 3L to 4.3V6, has it been done before on a 180

[Mark RSA2AU]

Hey guys

I want to replace my 3L with a 4.3V6 in my 180, has anyone done this before on any hull or more specificaly the 180?

My little 3L has burned the starter motor, leaks oil, and is down on power so a motor out rebuild is on the cards this winter for me. Considdering the costs are about the same, has anyone dropped in a 4.3 V6 into the 180?

Before anyone gets worried that the hull cannot handle it, dont! There is a company in New Zealand call Rae Line that was making the Sea Ray 180 under licence for the Asia Pacific region and since Sea Ray has stopped making the 180, they have continued under their own brand and have the 220 MPI V6 as an option, and the 200HP for the outboard hull as well. Makes a great performance package I am told.

Has anyone done this before on any hull? I want to know what is involved in the conversion.
Are the engine mounts similar or do they need changing? I think this is the only Issue I will face.
How different are the electrics? Power to the motor should be standard, and not hard to alter anyway.
Mounting to the Alpha One leg? this should be a direct bolt on.
Space not an issue as Rae Line above is doing it already.
Anything else?




Thanks

 

[WazzuCMGrad]

Mark:
I think the gear ratio for the 3.0L is different than for the 4.3L in the Alpha drives. I haven't looked, but that could be a major item to rework (since most of the drive is the gearing and a pretty case to put it in).

If you get past that, more power to you (figuratively and literally)! Good luck in whatever you choose. It's your boat, do what you want with it.

 

[aqua*holic]

Yes, the gear ratios are different, but only the gears in the upper unit are different. All lower alpha's are the same. I am sure the motor mounts are different also.