Sea Ray with a '98 Silverado engine??

[cscathro]

Hello everyone!, I have just been given a older model Sea Ray from my father but the original engine had a cracked block and was removed several years ago never to be returned so i am also the proud owner of an engine compartment full of weeds and reeds! My auto mechanic has a 98 chevy silverado 5.7 liter v8 that he is willing to donate for free but i have ZERO experience work with or converting to marine engines. So far i hava gathered that i will need brass freeze plugs and stainless gaskets but thats about it. I like to concider myself mechanicaly inclined and a quick learner but i need to know is it possible to use this engine on the boat which previously had a 225hp v8 mercrusier I/O. What about cooling? do u just use a regular radiator and fan or is it more complicated than that? Someone also told me i should check the "keel" to make sure its not rotting? Thanks VERY much in advance for any input so i can determine if i am in over my head or not!:smt021

 

[sbw1]

Marine engines are quite a lot different than car engines, and you have not scratched the surface on the amount of work to be done to do the conversion. What model Sea Ray do you have? What is the year? If it is really growing weeds, the structural elements of the hull are probably too far gone to make this free boat a restoration candidate. It would simply cost too much. Still, tell us more about the boat.

 

[fc3]

Actually, if the boat is in good shape, then you can do this. But the costs are not going to be as good as you think.

First of all, you have to replace all of the electrical components on the engine to ones that are ignition protected. That's at a minimum the alternator and starter. You'll have to look at the rest of the ignition system EFI to determine if they're OK. If there is a distributor, you'll have to replace that with one having a sealed cap. Skimp on this and you might just end up creating a floating bomb.Should be at least $500 for this.

Regarding to cooling, get a San Juan Engineering closed cooling system. This will replace the radiator with coolant to water heat exchanger. Couple of benefits: You don't have to change the intake or head gaskets, you don't have to worry about any aluminum components in the engine corroding, better cooling, no sediment accumulation in the block. Figure about a grand for this. If the kit doesn't include a raw water pump, you need to get one and the brackets. Add another $500.

You'll also have to change the coupler on the flywheel. Figure at least $100 or so for parts. Might also need a different bell housing but by now, you're starting to get the idea. This isn't a cheap way to go

Best regards,
Frank

 

[cscathro]

Thanks for the great feed back!! I understand i will be sinking prob 3 - 5 grand to get it in the water but thats ok i just finished a 2 year dune buggie build so i can appreciate the time it will take.... its part of the fun (and pain..haha) The picture on my profile is the boat in question but i am not sure the exact model or year, is there a good way to find this out?http://www.flickr.com/photos/38255501@N07/sets/72157618941124539/ this is the link to some photos of the boat incase anyone recognizes the model but i belive its early 80's. In reguard to the condition of the hull and weeds growing thats was my fathers infinate wisdom in not covering the boat for several years and the engine drain clogged and the cavity filled with rain water. i was able to remove most of the roots in one large ball (as seen in pictures) thankfully before the boat just sat there dying he redid the fiberglass along the inside which is still in great shape other than one small crack near the anchor storage by the cabin. i am hoping to rip out the wood work and chairs and do some built-ins then cover with fiberglass and cushions. Also the cabin needs to be gutted and reapolstered then do the engine conversion and a fresh coat of paint, most of which i will do myself (with the help of my wife and some buddys from work) other than paint and i think i should bring it to a professional once i have it "done" and get a good once over from them.

 

[Sundancer]

I'm not sure but the cam may not be right in the Silverado engine. I'm not sure, but I know some of them are timed to produce torque which is considerably different from a car engine.

 

[Larry]

As Sundancer mentioned I too believe the cam will not allow you to obtain the corect power band, and Franks' idea of making it fresh water cooled does solve some of the other issues. I do not recall you mentioning what kind of induction system the engine has, because most likely this will have to be changed if it is carberated. Add into your expenses at the least a complete exhaust set up (i.e. Manifolds, elbows, gaskets = about $1000). Sorry for the negativity but I think you may better spend your money on a rebuilt marine motor from one of the major builders...

 

[Nehalennia]

.......i belive its early 80's. ............

Lot's of work ahead and it's a '78.
That O/D looks like it needs some love too.
If you want to get down and dirty and have this thing done and have a non-new power package in no time, look here.
It's new but older stock.
*4.3L EFI 190 HP V-6 for $8,995.00 each (2 units)
*5.7 Carburated 250 HP V-8 for $10,995.00 (1 unit)
*350 Magnum MPI 300 HP V-8 for $13,500.00 (1 unit)

New non-current model re-power kit
Includes:
*Mercruiser Engine
*Bravo Transom Assembly
*Bravo Sterndrive
*Power Trim Unit
*Power Steering Assist Cylinder

 

[sbw1]

After looking at your pictures, I'd give the hull restoration your best shot and see how it goes. You may find that there are issues with the structure that are greater than you thought. If that goes well, it will likely be more cost effective to purchase a rebuilt engine and I/O. At least you avoid the big bucks until the end of the project and spend them when you know the boat will be sea worthy. You will also have a more reliable power plant than you will likely have after trying to cobble together a truck engine into a boat engine.

 

[Kameroo]

If you like the boat for sentimental reasons, looks like you have project. If you want to get out on the water anytime soon, there are lots of boats to choose from in the $5000 range.

 

[cscathro]

Definatly want to keep this perticular boat since it was the one i grew up on, and again THANKS to everyone for the great input, i think i will go ahead and do the cabin then worry about the engine. I do still have one question thou,... i was told i should check the "keel"? My boss suggested drilling a hole into the flooring to check and see if its rotted. Good advice or no?

 

[fc3]

No. That boat is not cored. So there is little chance that the hull bottom is saturated or wet.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[cscathro]

Excellent.... Thanks!