2001 Fiesta Vee 270 with cracked head due to Texas Freeze

jhcpa

I am trying to decide what to do. The previous owner had replaced the original engine with a Certified Previously Owned 383 Mercruiser Stroker  in Nov 2017. It now has cracks in the head and oil in the water.

Should I have it rebuilt? There is a 350 Vortex engine available at a engine rebuilder her in Dallas. Do you think the outdrive would have been changed/modified to fit the Stroker?

I am not a mechanic. So I am looking for some guidance from you guys.

Any comment is appreciated.

Liberty44140

Given your location, will insurance cover?

jhcpa

No insurance.  There was a $25 ice endorsement that was not offered to me. I am going to complain about that.
Thank you for your response.
My boat is in my slip in Rockwall Texas a Dallas Suburb. Chandlers Landing on Lake Ray Hubbard.

LaRea

Welcome to the forum ... sorry you're here under that circumstance. 

Finding engines and parts is next-to-impossible these days.  If I had an engine available, I'd grab it.  Then try to salvage the old engine for resale if possible, but at least the boat would be usable.  

Cableguy Greg

I would have it rebuilt to gain the extra horsepower. I believe the 383 stroker is 350 horse versus a 350 mag being 300 horse. 

Aqua_Aura

Getting new heads shouldn't be that difficult. Get a set and have them replaced. 

GMSLITHO

I agree with Aqua get the heads done and enjoy the summer ( its the least expensive way )

Aqua_Aura

I guess that is assuming the rest is fine and it wasn't ran with water in it and the hours aren't really high. 

LaRea

Aqua_Aura said:

Getting new heads shouldn't be that difficult... 

In normal times, I'd agree, but good luck during launch season in the Age of Covid.  

Aqua_Aura

Are they not just GM 350 heads with a "marine" head gasket? I know everything is hard to get lately but I would think 350 heads are pretty common

Black_Diamond

I’d be concerned about a cracked block too....

Aqua_Aura

Black_Diamond said:

I’d be concerned about a cracked block too....

Actually good point. I am closed loop so I forget about all that raw water in there freezing. I am guessing there is gonna be a lot of engine replacements in Texas

trip_n

reach out and speak with these guys
https://springfield.craigslist.org/bpd/d/olathe-mercruiser-volvo-penta-offshore/7292124031.html

mungerja

You are making me worry...  
We had out boat in storage in Texas and never even THOUGHT about winterizing it.  Guess we will find out this weekend if it survived the freeze.