Engine Swap, is it Possible?

[Tedrs62]

I have a 1981 2555 Saatoga Sunbridge with a Volvo 305 and 280 Outdrive. I need a new motor. I have come acros a 350 from a 1990 truck, rebuilt marine, that had throttle body intake. will my manifolds, intake and exhaust, motor mounts and other items work on this motor? Other problems or concerns that I should worry about? Or am I in for a headache that I should avoid?

[Fish-a-Palooza]

Taking what you’re saying as gospel, that the engine has been rebuilt for marine use, then yes everything from the 305 will bolt on. If you are raw water cooled you need marine style head gaskets.

Also, if you go to the BOC (Bayliner Owners Club) forum http://www.baylinerownersclub.org/forum/login.php?and search or ask your questions there, your questions can be answered in great detail. Not saying someone here doesn’t have the knowledge, Just saying it’s another source of very good information on what you want to do. Good luck!:argh2

[SomeSailor]

Also... when you say "rebuilt marine", do you mean it started its life as a truck motor and was rebuilt and installed in a boat, or a motor that someone has and is claiming it's been rebuilt for marine use?

While there's not much difference in the block itself, there are many things that'll need to be different if you're raw water cooled (salt water). (gaskets, freeze plugs, water pump, etc). Also the cams on boats engines are timed differently than their car cousins. The exhaust overlap with the intake timing can actually cause water ingestion in a boat's wet exhaust. Not saying it can't be done, but I wouldn't trust anyone unless I could see the receipts and inspect the motor for the required marine parts.

[heymagic]

The intake should be different as the bolt patterns are different on the heads between old carbed engines and tbody engines I think. Everything else externally should be the same, except maybe the fuel pump mounting (can't remember on that right this minute). Most stock cams will work ok in maine apps. There are way more stock GM car motors in boats that people know about. Thing to watch is not over advancing timing and make sure the engine doesn't idle too high. Lumpy cams can be a problem though. Mike's correct about the internal gaskets and freeze plugs, water pump also. Fresh water cooling is the best way to go.

[Fred P]

I would say that it is not worth it. I would get a rebuilt MARINE 350. A marine engine and was rebuilt by a good marine rebuilder or a new marine engine. The second or third time that you have to change the engine out will cost way more than what you will save on a good deal. That being said I did rebuild the engine in my boat, but I went to a lot of effort to see that everything that needed to be marine was marine.

Fred P..............

[Tedrs62]

Thank you for all the good advise, the manifold is different. Receipts show the correct gaskets, softplugs ect and a marine engine cam from a reputable mechanic.

[Randygh]

Is there much difference between a marine diesel vs. a tractor or truck diesel engine? Different injectors, bearings, crank????? Just curious if a John Deere tractor engine is the same as a JD put in a fishing boat? :?:

[heymagic]

Thank you for all the good advise, the manifold is different. Receipts show the correct gaskets, softplugs ect and a marine engine cam from a reputable mechanic.
Edelbrock 2104 intake should work btw, less than $200. It's aluminum so you have to run closed cooling.

[heymagic]

Is there much difference between a marine diesel vs. a tractor or truck diesel engine? Different injectors, bearings, crank????? Just curious if a John Deere tractor engine is the same as a JD put in a fishing boat? :?:

I know nussing, nussing ! as Sgt Schultz would say. Except that a lot of JD tractors have Yanmar engines.

[Tedrs62]

I called Edelbrock tech support and they gave me the same model number. My system is fwc.
Thank you
So..anyone know where I can do this swap, the boat sits kinda high on the trailer.

[2859er]

Pulled my engine in the garage. All you need is a sturdy beam, some chain, and a cable winch or comealong. Once you get the engine pulled out of the engine bay you can pull the trailer forward and lower the engine to the ground. Install in reverse order.

[heymagic]

Pull the manifolds first, they weigh as much as the motor ( well seems like it anyway) . Once the motor is up off the stringers you can pull the oil pan, pickup tube and flywheel and have about 8" less height needed to clear the transom. I have heard of guys lowering the tire pressure a bunch to drop trailer height, I think that could be hazardous to the sidewalls...

[Chass]

I pulled my engine in my front yard. My buddy has a boom truck with a 10k lb winch. Do you know anyone who has that kind of a rig? A boom truck, forklift, tractor with a front end loader, excavator etc. Heck, even a large branch of the right tree will do the trick.

The rest of the execise is pretty easy. Unfortunately I've pulled my engine a number of times. I can have it out in 45 minutes start to finish now.

Good luck.

Chass
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