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Thread: hornet 3 repower suggestions

  1. #1
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    hornet 3 repower suggestions

    I've got a 1986 Hornet 3 with a 330 Mercruiser on a TRS drive...the BB is showing its age, got a new tick starting....

    What's everyone suggest for a repower? I'd rather upgrade while I'm at it, but nothing too crazy, I need reliabity...

    what say the masses?

  2. #2
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    It depends on budget. I think since the engine is coming out , think of going to a bravo setup. Parts are hard to come by right now. Might be a good winter project.
    better to die on your feet, than live on your knees

  3. #3
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    X2 on budget ?

    Hornet 2 is 20ft ?

    A 383 small block stroker engine will have the same power as the old 330, cost less to buy, cost less to run, and weigh less. Complete engine package is $6-7k depending on exhaust system.

    A 502 will give you a nigh vs day performance increase of 10+ mph but will cost nearly 2X a small block.

    Switching out the drive to a Bravo would be a great upgrade but now you need to consider the value of the boat if that cost truly makes sense because if you have any thoughts on selling near term it will be difficult to recoup.

    Personally, I?d go with a small block and new drive. She?ll perform the same maybe a little better and be easier to work on given the extra room in the engine compartment. My goals have changed a bit over time and no longer have the desire to go 80mph in a boat especially a 40 year old Classic Donzi? 😉
    Thank you, Patrick
    1994 18' Classic 350Mag Alpha

    Previously owned Donzis -
    1996 22' Classic, 502Mag Bravo
    1987 20' Minx, 350Mag Alpha
    1975 18' Classic, 350Chevy Volvo 280

  4. #4
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    I actually never considered changing the drive set-up, I always liked the unique-ness factor of the TRS and Borg warner...

  5. #5
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    the hornet III is a 21 foot boat and much flatter and wider than a standard classic taking weight out of the ass end will make the hull ride wetter which means slower and tendency to bow steer the trs is stout build a 540 bulldog motor
    When the sky is grey,look out to sea.
    When the waves are high and the light is dying,
    well raise a glass and think of me...
    When I'm home again,
    boys, I'll be buying!

    My Ride

    Come Join Us on The Queen Of American Lakes



    Contact Us

    www.lgdonziclassic.com

  6. #6
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    I put a 502-415 in mine and kept the TRS drive and BW tranny

    very pleased with it
    Charter Member - WAFNC, SBBR, KWOSG
    1955 Perfect Mate
    1986 Hornet III, 502-415 TRS

    www.donzi.org


  7. #7
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    Didn?t think about the balance

    Every boat I?ve repowered I?ve lighten the ass of the boat without any negative effects. Not owned a Hornet though.
    Going from a 330hp 454 to a 435hp 502 is a great upgrade. I?ve done that in/on two 24 x 7 boat and gained about 10mph.
    A stock 502 rated 435hp at the crank will be every bit as reliable as the old 330hp 454.
    Thank you, Patrick
    1994 18' Classic 350Mag Alpha

    Previously owned Donzis -
    1996 22' Classic, 502Mag Bravo
    1987 20' Minx, 350Mag Alpha
    1975 18' Classic, 350Chevy Volvo 280

  8. #8
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    Repowering my 77 Hornet 2

    I agree with the post to repower with a stroker 383. Smaller, lighter and can generate some good horsepower. In my case the rear seat back is very close to the water pump. I question clearance for a big block, although I understand that was offere20210617_184109.jpg20210617_184109.jpg20210617_184109.jpgd in 77.

  9. #9
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    Sorry

    Sorry for 3 copies of the same photo.
    I'm new to the forum.
    The site is not optimized for a tablet.

  10. #10
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    mine has the factory cutout into the backseat to allow the waterpump pulley of the big block to fit. There's a panel that screws in behind the seat cushions.

  11. #11
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    Tight Fit😳

    Reminds me of trying to work on my old 28? Cig with twins, TRS drives, and transmissions.
    Thank you, Patrick
    1994 18' Classic 350Mag Alpha

    Previously owned Donzis -
    1996 22' Classic, 502Mag Bravo
    1987 20' Minx, 350Mag Alpha
    1975 18' Classic, 350Chevy Volvo 280

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by ZekesterbluH3 View Post
    mine has the factory cutout into the backseat to allow the waterpump pulley of the big block to fit. There's a panel that screws in behind the seat cushions.
    Was the cutout under the seat, there's no space in the seat back. The space under my seat is totally sealed off.20210617_181853.jpg

  13. #13
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    the boat pictured above is a Hornet II the 20 foot model looks to be a Chris Craft Chevy 350 mated to a volvo 280 if you have the long intermediate housing between the bell housing and the drive the motor sits 5-8 inches forward from the short intermediate that was part of the bell housing if you are repowering to modern power you will probably regain those inches. If you are staying with the volvo just rebuild a stout 350 no sense in building a wild motor the volvo isn't going to perform they are tough and reliable but performance was never their strong suit.

    In general they put big block trs power in both the 20 foot and the 21 foot models in the 20 foot models the small block chris craft and merc were more common than the BB in the 21 foot model the BB 330 trs was more common over the small block

    both had 22 degree deadrise and 7' 10" beams
    When the sky is grey,look out to sea.
    When the waves are high and the light is dying,
    well raise a glass and think of me...
    When I'm home again,
    boys, I'll be buying!

    My Ride

    Come Join Us on The Queen Of American Lakes



    Contact Us

    www.lgdonziclassic.com

  14. #14
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    My hornet III.

    Did 53 knots with alpha drive before kaboom.
    50.3 knots with bravo xr so far, still testing props, using bravo1 fs and hydromotive p5x ATM.

    Stock 7.4 mpi with imco powerflow
    Building bygger engine soon hence the xr, sportmaster, externa steering etc.

    20210417_150217.jpg20210321_192204.jpg

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lindahl195 View Post

    Stock 7.4 mpi with imco powerflow
    Building bygger engine soon hence the xr, sportmaster, externa steering etc.

    20210417_150217.jpg20210321_192204.jpg
    That 7.4 can be reconfigured to make 400+Hp for not a lot of $.
    It?s 9:1 compression and the Vortec heads are pretty good. Need to ditch the MPI but can sell off toward new parts. Cam change, Intake, and carburetor. Can even reuse use the distributor.
    Thank you, Patrick
    1994 18' Classic 350Mag Alpha

    Previously owned Donzis -
    1996 22' Classic, 502Mag Bravo
    1987 20' Minx, 350Mag Alpha
    1975 18' Classic, 350Chevy Volvo 280

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