Purchase/Repower of 73 16' Ski Sporter

[Kirk]

Folks....

Okay the secret is out. I just bought Brian Englerts boat. As a result I need some good advise...here goes:

The boat was originally powered by a modified chev. late 70's 350 pushing some 385 plus hp. I have been looking around online and have come up with some options Marine Engines (http://www.marine-engines-inc.com/recon.htm) as you can see that is a recon. and priced as such. Or should I unload the wallet and do it this way marine engines new (http://www.marine-engines-inc.com/gmpp.htm)

I am looking for some giddy up (mid 50's plus)four bolt main and trying to spend as little $$$$ but want the quality so I understand that it is going to cost. Brian is kicking in the exhaust.

Should any of you guys know where I can get a New "Built up" chev. 350 4 bolt main motor complete I have to match it with a volvo 270 outdrive.

Thanks also goes to Scott P. & Cliff W. whom have put up with my endless questions. Most important is saying thanks to Brian who has put up with my *&$^ over the last several months.

Donzi's are s special breed and this one will be well cared for.

Thanks to you all for the help the site has and is invaluable.

Thanks,

KJ

[EricG]

Congrats on the new boat!! I was trying desperately to put together the "road-trip from Hell" eek! to come get that boat...but it just didn't work out. I'm glad its going to a good home :D ...I'll be very interested to hear about your re-power project.

Good luck!

EG

[Kirk]

Thanks EricG

I should get a digital camera to document the project but I seem to spend to much on boats....hummmm

[MOP]

Kirk if all you want is mid 50's any small block V8 should do you just fine, ther are some pretty good deals out there for brandy new. The 270 is a great drive parts that you may be missing are on Ebay. Good luck wuth the project.

[Dredgeking]

since we're talking 350's and 16's here's my input. i have a 76 16 with a newer gm crate engine. no, it isn't marinized. it does put out 345 hp reliably and was much cheaper than most marine engines. i'll marinize it when i rebuild it, but that won't be for a while. if we were talking big boats with big power, then marinized engines all the way. i just love the simplicity of the 350 and availability of parts.

just my opinion.

[Cuda]

It depends on how big of a hurry you are in. If you watch, you can find small blocks very affordable. Year before last, I bought a 330 horse 350 with 30 freshwater hours on it for $1750. It was a complete engine with exhaust and everything. A guy had just repowered his boat with the twin SBC's and decided it wasn't enough so pulled them and went with twin BBC's. I got it on ebay. I was bidding on it when someone used the "buy it now" feature. I panicked and called the guy to see if the other one was still available, and it was. Runs perfectly, and has all the goodies on it.

[BERTRAM BOY]

Kirk,
You have mail.
BERTRAM BOY

[MOP]

Anyone know this company?

http://www.atk-engines.com/download/highperf.txt

[Kirk]

MOP,

Check this out...your thoughts oh wise and all knowing one....

Rebuilt Marine 350 (http://www.high-performance-engines.com/vm08.html)

Let me know if you think this would be a good option. I have exhaust!! I was thinking about going with the MSD Stuff (Dist & ingnition) and a performance intake with a 650 cfm marine carb. If I really go overboard install new tank (good ideal as the engine is out) last but not least install a Stainless Marine exhaust. Here is a pic of the 16' http://www.donzi.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=000315#000000

Thanks for the help,

KJ

[MOP]

Its a sweet looking rig, from what you are saying it sounds like you have decided to go a little faster than your 50's mark. A 350 is an excellent choice, super reliable and there is a ton of stuff available to let you go anyway you wish as to power. I would F/W cool it especially if you are going with some aluminum parts plus it will run a little better overall. If you decide to cam it up check with the smarter guys thankfully there are some real pros hanging out up here. Added note use all marine accessories they are definitely different, safety first is important.