So I got the boat last year in pieces and had to put it all back together. Not knowing anything about boats was challenging but with the help of some of you and Trojan Bob coming out to my home several times to help me we got it done.
Start of the season; Engine overheating problems (head gasket) I lived with it and used about 4 gallons of water every trip. The bigger gas tanks in the boat were a huge issue the 318 didn't have the power to get on plane until both tanks were at less than half full. The boat looked like it had a load in its pants LOL.
Trojan Bob came out to my boat and installed the Mallory electronic ignition system mid way through the season nice improvement in power but too little to late. I have bad compression (45 psi) in 3 of my eight cylinders. i.e. engine Kaput.
My Paragon V-drive has 40 hours on it from rebuild and is running great.
The way I see it I have 3 options.
Option #1 ;
I can get a rebuilt Reverse rotation Chrysler 318 ($1850.00)
Pro: economical, Engine comes with a 2 year unlimited hour guarantee.
Con: Not enough power to offset extra fuel weight.
Option 2 ;
I can buy a rebuilt reverse rotation 360 ($1980.00) (what my understanding is that the 360 and 318 tin is all interchangeable)
Pro: more speed, more horse power, more torque, Engine comes with a 2 year unlimited hour guarantee.
Con: more fuel usage
Option 3 ; I own an Isuzu 4BD1T 3.9 liter 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel engine with 130k miles on it taken out of a box truck.
There is a company on the internet that sells the bolt on kit for this engine to fit up to a Chrysler marine trans. My problem with this is the investment would likely kill my wallet. I would need to buy a forward rotation v drive transmission and custom exhaust manifold could run a few pennies as well. Also will this 3.9 liter four cylinder turbo get me up and out on plane ? Will it have the same or better top speed as my 318 The motor redlines at 3500 rpm at a whopping 135 HP. I would probably need to change props as well.
Pros: VERY economical, Much longer range,
Cons; Cost of custom installation, no guarantee that it will work right even after install. no idea of top end.
If anyone of you have knowledge or input in this matter let me know. I am lost as to what I should do. Is there a 4th option I am missing?
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)