DaveC
07-13-2008, 05:35 AM
Good day one and all,
I could use some of your professional and experienced advise.
I'm seriously considering repowering my 1990 3400MY (hull 1990, engines 1989). Currently have 454 carburated Crusaders but one head I think is cracked (port engine) as I have water leaking from around a valve spring after having both heads rebuilt due to water getting in my oil (engine overheated when it tossed a belt, Which I think was probably the cause of the oil/water mix and why I had the heads redone). Also while I had the heads off, I noticed the #1 cylinder is scored a fair bit on the outside wall. I don't just want to get some heads and go, although prior to the water leakage the engine ran fine (no smoke, etc). With coolant getting in the oil, I'm concerned about bearings, etc. So I'm seriously considering repowering or minimally having my carburated 454's rebuilt.
My requirements in somewhat of a proper order:
Reliability
Decent power (normally running off the south Texas coast)
Performance vs economy balance
Cost (initial/installation)
I'm considering new 8.1 Crusaders but I don't know if they'll bolt in without extensive modifications which I'd prefer not to do. Short of having mine rebuilt, I want something that'll pretty much just drop in and connect to my velvet drives and get me back out on the water as quick and easily as possible.
I'm currently in Afghanistan but when I return in 12-18 months I'd like to have my boat ready to go. Anyone have some knowledge/experiences that'll give me ideas or options to think about?
Thanks in advance...
DC
I could use some of your professional and experienced advise.
I'm seriously considering repowering my 1990 3400MY (hull 1990, engines 1989). Currently have 454 carburated Crusaders but one head I think is cracked (port engine) as I have water leaking from around a valve spring after having both heads rebuilt due to water getting in my oil (engine overheated when it tossed a belt, Which I think was probably the cause of the oil/water mix and why I had the heads redone). Also while I had the heads off, I noticed the #1 cylinder is scored a fair bit on the outside wall. I don't just want to get some heads and go, although prior to the water leakage the engine ran fine (no smoke, etc). With coolant getting in the oil, I'm concerned about bearings, etc. So I'm seriously considering repowering or minimally having my carburated 454's rebuilt.
My requirements in somewhat of a proper order:
Reliability
Decent power (normally running off the south Texas coast)
Performance vs economy balance
Cost (initial/installation)
I'm considering new 8.1 Crusaders but I don't know if they'll bolt in without extensive modifications which I'd prefer not to do. Short of having mine rebuilt, I want something that'll pretty much just drop in and connect to my velvet drives and get me back out on the water as quick and easily as possible.
I'm currently in Afghanistan but when I return in 12-18 months I'd like to have my boat ready to go. Anyone have some knowledge/experiences that'll give me ideas or options to think about?
Thanks in advance...
DC