Need Advice: Repowering 1998 370 Sundancer w/ 8.1Ls

[xravenx]

Awesome.....looking forward to the results and your impressions.

Where did you source the 8.1's? Did you have to do any transmission or shaft work, or was it basically plug n play?

Fly, you were probably asking Marc but I'll chime in..........mine were plug and play, no shaft work, transmission work or prop work. Smartcraft was also installed. Sweet spot is 30 GPH, 25 MPH, 3600 RPM. Used to be about 30 GPH, 21 MPH, 3300 RPM. The boat used to cruise with the bow raised up a tad, I could level it out some but then I was into the 4 barrels. Attitude of the boat now is more a level ride then a bow high ride, my attitude however is higher now because of these motors :grin: The marina that did the job got the motors from Mercury Remanufacturing, they came with a 3 year warranty

John

 

[Fly'n Family]

I went thru my mechanic who is part of the authorized Mercury network. They use Kellogg Marine to source the engines. I re-used Velvet drive transmissions, existing shafts and propellers. While everything was apart, I checked everything in drive train. I had trannies rebuilt. Props also reconditioned and shafts sent out to check accuracy. Mechanic tells me props may need to be "bent" to add/subtract RPM to get in correct range. Port shaft was 7/1000 out of alignment at tranny end, so fixed that too. Everything else is plug and play. I am thinking of installing Merc VesselView 4 to monitor engines....replace the RayData that is just above steering wheel. Can't wait until the test drive!!

Wow...sounds like you've covered all the bases. Really happy for you, and can't wait to hear your impressions and if it was all worth it - I'm sure it will have been.

 

[Fly'n Family]

Fly, you were probably asking Marc but I'll chime in..........mine were plug and play, no shaft work, transmission work or prop work. Smartcraft was also installed. Sweet spot is 30 GPH, 25 MPH, 3600 RPM. Used to be about 30 GPH, 21 MPH, 3300 RPM. The boat used to cruise with the bow raised up a tad, I could level it out some but then I was into the 4 barrels. Attitude of the boat now is more a level ride then a bow high ride, my attitude however is higher now because of these motors :grin: The marina that did the job got the motors from Mercury Remanufacturing, they came with a 3 year warranty

John

Hi John, thanks for your response as well - great information. I've been fortunate to this point with mine, but I know a re-power is in my near future. By any chance did you do a thread on your re-power? Between the two of you, hopefully I can find an efficient, smooth path as you both have led the way. Being able to upgrade into Smartcraft must have been great, I'd like to do the same as part of the process. Thanks for the numbers and info. I love these 370's!!

 

[xravenx]

Hi John, thanks for your response as well - great information. I've been fortunate to this point with mine, but I know a re-power is in my near future. By any chance did you do a thread on your re-power? Between the two of you, hopefully I can find an efficient, smooth path as you both have led the way. Being able to upgrade into Smartcraft must have been great, I'd like to do the same as part of the process. Thanks for the numbers and info. I love these 370's!!

Here is my thread from a few years ago

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/55191-Repower-time-for-the-370

 

[370Dancer]

It has been many months since I have posted and just wanted to let you all know that I decided to repower my 1998 370 Sundancer with new Merc 8.1L engines. The project is nearly complete. Both engines have been installed and my mechanic said it was one of the smoothest repower projects he has ever done. Re-used same engine mounts, re-built both transmissions, checked shafts and reconditioned the props. Also removed and serviced/repainted Generator while engines were out. Launch comes in two weeks and I'll let everyone know how she runs! Special thanks to XravenX who gave me the courage to move ahead with new engines instead of trying to keep my old engines going! Speaking of that, I have a very good 7.4L Merc (380hp) on Craig's list if anyone is in need.

We've heard about xravenx's experience and cost. Haven't heard your end story since April. fly'n'family is getting close, and my port engine decided to help me along this weekend. Never seen a bent cathode on a spark plug, but I've got one now. Thankfully it happened at 900 rpm and not 3200.
Initial check shows the Mercury repower intact, but inside contacts in the industry are reporting there is no program. I gather that it may be in transition due to Mercury stopping GM blocks and starting to build their own. Just confused right now, and going through the 7 stages of death.