Repowering my 16

[frank capps]

Interested in hearing what others have used to repower their Donzi 16's and what top end speed they are getting. Prefer something larger than original; easy installation. My Donzi is from late 60's; originally 289 Ford.

Thanks 16-ers!!!

Frank[/LIST]

[Formula Jr]

302, 351. Same engine mounts. I'd go with a tweaked 302. Forrest knows all....

[BigGrizzly]

I replaced mine with a 302. It will run high 50 or low 60's. I havn't clocked it in 24 years. It still runs well.

Randy

[Forrest]

A 302 or 5.0 F-word engine would be a good easy choice with the existing Volvo outdrive. Only problem with the Ford motor will be finding a good lightweight exhaust system. Kodiak makes the only good one that I know of. What ever you do, try to keep the weight down. 350s and 351s make more torque but IMO they are too heavy for the 16. I always wondered how a blown 4.3 with aluminum heads, exhaust, and fresh-water cooling turning an Alpha SS would run in an early 16. It would take some work and cash to pull it off, but I bet it would fly.

[Rootsy]

hey if you want to go 302 and make more torque why not make her a 347... lots of good kits out there with a lot of piston choices, H beam rods and steel cranks if you really want something strong...

[TRU-JACK]

Has anyone done some serious engine work to a 4.3, if so, what and how fast can you get the 16 moving? ;)

[mikev]

I have some ideas for upgrading my 4.3 including edelbrock 4brl intake and carb and 1.6 ratio rocker arms this should get me to about 230hp from 175 with the 2brl. I was wondering if anyone has put a whipple charger on there 4.3 and what were the results. it sure would be easier than redoing my motor mounts to put a 350 in it.

[TRU-JACK]

I think the stock 4.3 4bbl has 205 HP, what is a realistic HP limit on this engine? What type of mods would provide the most HP for $? Is 300HP easily possible? I think this should achieve high 60's

[oldLenny]

there have been MANY kits for these motors in the "small pick-up" craze recently. Blower kits, turbo's etc. You need to keep the cam in line but I bet they can make some NICE ponies and stay together not to mention the weight savings. The old Turbo Buicks and Grand Nationals come to mind.

Whipple's kit is about $3400.00 US and claims UP TO 50% more torque and 50% more HP.

Frank C would know more about all this stuff than I.

Difference between a 4.3 injected and a "stock" 350 is 80 LBS and 40 horsepower. RPM range is similar. Both with an ALPHA.
http://www.mercurymarine.com/cgi-bin/mercprod/MercuryHome/Templates/DotComTemplate.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=no&ParentID=null&page_id=651&ProdID=23635&Area=V-6&CurSpecPos=2&BV_Sessio nID=@@@@2111531610.0998429792@@@@&BV_EngineID=gallkfkdllgbedbfececjf.0

[mikev]

the edelbrock intake will give you 18 more hp. i have see 300hp out of these motors in S10 pickups but not sure what limitations you would have to observe with the cam duration and overlap. would not want to injest water through the exhaust. thats why i was going to use 1.6 ratio rocker arms to get mor lift without changing the duration oor overlap of the cam. GM makes some awsome heads and intakes for these motors if you want to go all out here is the link. look at the 90 degree chevy V6.
https://www.spoperformanceparts.com/