Crusader 350 Repower - 1976 23 Seacraft SF Inboard

[FLexpat]

Originally Posted by John3325

Repower update, still debating on which way to go and I've decided to throw Marine Power into the mix.

Looking on their site, a new 350 FWC MPI engine is just under 10k on their website. We also put two new Marine Power engines in our 30' Luhrs 3 years ago, and we have had 450 trouble free hours so far.

If MP is in the mix you should take a hard look at the Direct Injection 5.3 or the 6.0.
5.3 is a Gen 5 small block, alum block and heads. Very light (~150-200# less than a 350) and extremely fuel efficient. GM is using them in the 1500 series trucks. 355HP and a great rep but just now used in marine applications.
6.0 is a Gen 4 small block (LS series); Iron block and aluminum heads. ~100# less than a 350 and much more efficient. GM uses them in the 2500 series trucks. PCM also sells them and they have a reputation for being almost bulletproof in both boats and trucks.
Both are FWC and have variable valve timing. Both have aluminum pans. The cylinder deactivation BS is NOT used on the marine versions of either one (thats good).

[John3325]

Biggest issues with the 6.0 would be the mounts, and space available under the console right now. The 5.7s are straight drop ins, very limited mods if any needed to drop a new one in.

The 6.0 would also be the most expensive option, and I found that the connecting the Crusaders to my Gamins and installing instrumentation would actually be more than going with Merc and a Smartcraft gauge. Couldn't believe that at first, but makes sense after seeing how plug and play all the Merc stuff is.

[FLexpat]

The mounts are the same for my I/O - not sure about IB. I have the room for the 1" wider and longer but have to get creative on height since I raised the outdrive 2" for an overall engine height increase of 3" - size might be the biggest problem for you. Livorsi and Maretron make NMEA to MEFI interfaces for the data. Others may as well. That said, I'm still doing fiberglass and have not bought/installed a motor yet. I'm leaning towards the MP 6.2 DI since I have a drive that can handle it and all my CAD stuff shows it fitting after my mods...

[TDL]

Just ball park numbers, what does short money mean for the engines you've found? Thinking towards the future, I'll likely be repowering as well. Thanks

[John3325]

TDL, they are up for sale on Craigs now:

https://boston.craigslist.org/sob/bp...719436038.html

[John3325]

Well, final decision made. Ordered a brand new Crusader 5.7 MPI with a new ZF Hurth 630A 1.5:1. Let the repower games begin!

[John3325]

Engine should be here soon, will post some pics once we get it in the shop. Repower scheduled for first/second week of January.

[kevmen]

Congrats on making the decision! Good luck with the repower! I couldn’t be happier with mine. Keep us posted.

[John3325]

Thanks Kev, engine is due at shop after New Years now as of this week. Once it's in the shop and it starts getting installed I'll have some good pictures to share.

And thanks again for letting me take a look at your setup too. Putting an in transom live well is on my wish list for the future after seeing your setup.

[John3325]

Engine is in!