'78 26' twin 470's.....?

[rhyno]

Hello
Just bought my first Sea Ray.
It is a 1978 26' Sea Ray 260.
It has TWIN 4 cylinder factory 170 horse engines.

Is that common for this year and size?

 

[islandsearay]

Yes, first get the brochures from Searay site and owners manual for cruisers, 1980 is similar.
As you go thru them, let me know, as I just purchased a 1979 with twins. I am attempting to determine if the area under the bunk in aft stateroom is just support boxes or if they have tanks in them.

 

[25thmustang]

Although not a Sea Ray I owned two boats with this power.

The first was a 1981 Wellcraft 255 Suncruiser. Had twin 470s, rated for 170 hp each.

The other was a 1988 IMP 270 Liberty. Had twin 3.7LXs, rated for 190 hp each.

Some information on the motors can be found throughout the net. They have a bad stigma due to some design flaws. Your older motors are most likely (unless updated) 3" heat exchangers, and 2 bbl carbs. A decent upgrade would be aluminum manifold and 4bbl carbs, and an almost necessary upgrade is 4" heat exchangers off the newer motors.

Keep an eye on the cam seals, as they are notorious for failing and cuasing motor damage.

 

[islandsearay]

Reads like I need to do more research and start adding to my budget for maintenance. Where would I find these parts, manifold and exchangers, would it be easier to locate newer engines and swap out? Or would that lead to new outdrives?
It has been constant downpours all spring here in NW, usually about the time I arrive home, mid-afternoon, so haven't been too willing to get out and crawl over everything.
The 3.7 LXs, would they be comparable in space and layout? Are they easy to locate?

 

[25thmustang]

Check the internet, there is a lot of info out there about these motors. The 470 and 3.7LX are the same block, and dimensions (unless for some reason the larger manifolds and exchanger require more room). Used motors are out there, but if yours run well, I would recommend the heat exchanger upgrade, and maintenance.

I will take a look for the 470/3.7 website I used to frequent.