I took the boat to Performance Marine in Everett, WA -- their mechanic recommended replacing the Volvo Penta with a Mercruiser. Said everything is very compatible.
Although I hope that he makes a quick recovery...... I think that this mechanic has undergone a recent and severe blow to the head!
OK, so I guess the first question can be can I replace the Volvo Penta with a Mercruiser or is the shop blowing smoke up my keister?
I'll go with #2..... "blowing smoke up your keister!"
I have read a couple of boards that claim that you can, would love to confirm that. And, if I can, can I go with the larger 5.7L vs the 5.0L that is in there now. Is there any compatibility issue with the stern drive to go the larger engine?
Other than a bit of tweaking to a FI system (if equipped with FI), there should be no issues.
You will want to verify the 5.0L engine stern drive ratio (final drive reduction), and then verify that it will be suitable for the 5.7L engine.
The boat is still at the mechanics, so I am putting in the stern drive based upon what I can find. It has taken them 5 weeks and I still don't have a quote on repairs,
This is where I would normally say; "get a quote, not an estimate"...... but instead, I'm going to say; "Get the boat away from that repair shop ASAP!"
so I am looking at a friend who said he can replace the motor over the weekend.
Make sure that your friend has Marine work experience!
And yes..... it can be done over a weekend.
But, I want to buy the right ENGINE to replace it with and I'm going off of what the mechanic at Performance recommended.
Again, I will suggest that you get the boat away from that repair shop ASAP!
Make sense?
NO!