I Need A Shrink !

Dilligaf · #1 01-03-2010, 03:38 AM

from what i have heard those 290 volvo outdrives are pretty bullet proof and very reliable.

BigLew · #2 01-03-2010, 09:05 AM

"As for the mystery boat... it's a 25 Seafari 1973 edition." -
This was a cryptic comment made just about 2 years ago as you finished up your miraculous rebuild of the twenty. What ever happened to that boat?

With respect to your new find, I may have to have issued a warrant for your arrest!! There has got to be a law against how much we all look forward to this project. Maybe like.. inciting a riot!

Seriously, I can't wait. I've got the 23 with the same power- an '85 issue. The drive I have has power trim and I don't see the trim cylinders on your 290 drive. I can tell you now, I like mine, though I plan to mate up a little bit heftier block- say 315 to 325 HP.

I will be tuning in VERY regularly! Good luck, (not that you will need it with your talent for this stuff!) KUDO'S

Fr. Frank · #3 01-03-2010, 10:28 AM

I agree with Lew, I'd put in a bit more HP. Say, 350 to 375 hp. Large displacement (400+ cubes) SB Chevy motors can make 375 hp fairly easily. Much cheaper than going diesel.
That 290 drive is heavy-duty stuff, keep it, but add power trim.

strick · #4 01-03-2010, 12:51 PM

Thanks for the input guys....the out drive says power trim on the outer casing but I did not see a cylinder as well. The boat was sitting for many years and vultures picked away at some of the parts so I guess that's what happened to the cylinder.

Biglew- the other boat is still sitting in my yard. This one is in a little better shape (transom is good) and I like the original configuration...and the price was right. BTW what kind of performance numbers do you get with your sceptre using this set up?

Hermitt- yes on the 8 foot beam. It would make a very nice looking CC

Frank- I'm thinking for now I'll just keep the original set up...but may have a few things done to the engine. Goal is to get on the water without spending big $$$

strick

Bushwacker · #5 01-04-2010, 01:12 AM

Strick,

Looking forward to seeing what amazing stuff you'll do with this one! Personally, I'd either keep the 350 or go with a big block.

The sb chevy has fairly short rods and when you increase the stroke, it creates angularity problems (puts more side load on the piston because of the different geometry). Yes, it'll make more power, but I think you'd take a hit in durability.

A good friend of mine had a single 350 Mercruiser in a 27 SeaCraft flybridge sedan cruiser, and went to a 400 sb to get more power out of the same size installation. After 300 hrs it was using a lot of oil and smoking bad, so he tore it down . . . every single piston was cracked! He then put in a single 454, and said it was great, no more durability problems. Said the only thing better was TWO of 'em, so he later bought a 28 Bertram with TWO 454's in it!
Denny

NoBones · #6 01-04-2010, 01:38 AM

Strick I don't feel so bad now that you mentioned
"Pig Weights"

If you recall they beat me up for that comment a year
or so back.....

Good luck with her re-do..

See ya, Ken

BigLew · #7 01-04-2010, 07:45 AM

Strick,

Chris Downey put a Big block in his- a merc unit. He can probably fill you in on some of the obvious questions/challenges of doing so. Check it out over on the Gallery page.

strick · #8 01-07-2010, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Chris Downey put a Big block in his- a merc unit. He can probably fill you in on some of the obvious questions/challenges of doing so. Check it out over on the Gallery page.

Does anyone know what Chris goes by on this site? I'm trying to research his engine install.

strick