"The Gen + is just part of
"The Gen + is just part of Merc's ongoing model number evolution. It means that it's a step up from previous Gen I and Gen II models.
Being a 1997 it should be in the SN range of F803114 and onwards.
It is definitely a 4 barrel (likely a Weber), and it will be rated at 205 hp.
Previous models were rated at 170 and 180 hp for the L and LX models respectively.
The 1997 model should be a 4.3LHX Gen+; not 4.3LX Gen+.
Subsequent TBI models of the 4.3 are rated at up to 220 hp, incidentally. That gives a specific power output of .84 hp/cubic inch; which is more inline with the kind of power a 350 ci engine produces per cubic inch. (The 4.3 is after all a 3/4 version of the 350 ci V-8)This specific power output is about normal for a "standard" power package. Aftermarket remanned engines are routinely 10-15 % better than this, depending on the parts used. For instance the Merc 6.2 MPI repower package is rated at 350 crank hp, which is .91 hp/cubic inch.
It's never very clear as to whether nominal hp ratings are propshaft or crankshaft. Manufacturers seem to purposely make this hard to decipher. Since there is about a 10% loss in the drive, a 180 propshaft hp package would be in fact about 200 crank hp. So what really changed in the Gen+ to give 205 hp? Is it crank or propshaft hp? Who knows?
If you figure it out, let us all know.
Sorry this kind of rambled.
Rod"
