12v71TI conversion question

This may be a really dumb question but I am looking at a boat with twin 12v71TI 's in it rated at 650HP each. We really don't need all that HP since the boat will only cruise at 5-10 knots. Is it possible to remove the turbo's and Intercoolers and replace the injectors with a set from a non TI motor and basically convert a TI to a non TI motor? This is a 1973 boat and we are worried about the condition of the turbos and IC's. If we don't need them could we just remove them to save on maintenance costs.

Hi,

Not try trying to hose down your parade but....

My short answer is I don't know....never tried it....never heard of it being done.

But I do think that, if you do a bit of research, you'll find that it's not a simple delete operation with injector swap. I know the turbo engine is equipped with lower compression pistons for one thing. Check part numbers to verify.

There will also be a valve timing variance that hurts me to even think about.

If you do what you're thinking, I'm sure they will start and run...well...idle anyway. But you might be very disappointed with absolutely no power at all and gobs of black exhaust even with smaller injectors. I would liken it to a very inefficient cloud making machine that won't go anywhere slowly. .

If your base engines are solid I think your most cost effective route would actually be to refresh the turbos and intercoolers.

The only real maintenance with turbos is to always provide them with fresh, clean oil. If you don't keep up with that then, yes, you can expect trouble.

Remember, just because you have all that power doesn't mean you have to use it.
EXCEPT, of course, only when you're HAVING FUN ;>)

Just my opinion.

Good luck.

The best way to save fuel and increase life of a Detroit is go slower.
Turbo Detroits have lower compression pistons than naturals. You'll have less power than you plan on.
Turbos fail because of bearings, and that is partially caused by not changing oil. I change the bearings and seals on Detroit turbos I have owned . It's not that tough. Change the bearings and seals early, before they fail and damage the shaft or turbine. You can find them at a good bearing supply or online. Someone probably has a video on Youtube about rebuilding the turbos.
You can bypass the intercooler. You loose top end hp. Sounds like you're not using it anyway.
Changing injectors doesn't always lead to fuel savings. The governor is going to open the injectors as much as necessary to meet the rpm needs. Putting in smaller injectors usually means the governor opens the smaller ones more.