Originally Posted by
Phil S
Hello Nuts n Bolts....
....and even though I'm new here myself, welcome aboard.
Yes, your 19' should handle the 4.3 or v-8 readily. It all comes down to how much you want to spend. I don't know how the engine mounts on the 2.3 vs either the 4.3 or a v-8 would line up, but am certain someone here will be able to advise. My ragazza is 17' with the 4.3, and it pulls skier's readily with a 19 pitch prop.
I read Onesubdrvr's complete conversion post on his boat....do a search on here for "world's fastest ragazza" and you'll find it. (I don't know how to post a link to it here, sorry.)
Make sure your stringers and transom are solid...no matter which way you go. Personally, if I were to be faced with replacing the motor on my boat, I would go with a 383 v-8...but that's just me. Nothing wrong with the 4.3, but if you're pulling a skier and have a few 180 lb teenagers on board as well, you'll probably be happier in the long run with a V-8.
Good luck with it and keep us posted on how you decide to go.
With kind regards,
Phil S.