1993 fiesta vee repower
mtyler1026
Member Posts: 3 ✭
Hello- I have recently picked up a 1993 fiesta vee. The boats in great condition with a good out drive however it need needs a motor. My question is does any one know the cruising/ top speed of this boat if I was too put the 5.7 mercruiser that it originally was in the boat back in.? Is this boat underpowered with that motor or should I go bigger.
Keep in mind I'm no looking for a hot rod just enough power to get on plane with a cruise around the lake. So if any one owned one of these id appreciate you're input.
Thanks again.
Comments
What model of Rinker do you hve? MT
If its a 270 then a 5.7 mercury is an easy bolt-in and will be an adequate engine. There's been some discussion of going bigger on a repower but that'd have other ramifications regarding controls and wiring.
Good luck. Mike
mtyler1026 - If I was going to re-power, the bare minumin I'd install would be a 350 mag to get the 300 HP, increased torgue and an engine that was stronger built in almost all respects than a 5.7 The best choice, in my opinion, without having to do much to mate the systems would be to put in a 6.2 (377 Mag) That engine is FAR superior in every way to a 5.7 In fact, the 6.2s and the 8.2s are the only engines in the Mercruiser non-racing line that are still semi "hand built" by specialists. The 6.2 mag will have a tremendously stronger torque band than a 5.7 and noticeably superior to even the 350 Mag. Since you are re-powering why not get it right? Of course, my opinion is just that. Before you decide get out in a 270 or 280 with a 5.7 and do the same with a 6.2 and I think you'll be surprised by the difference in power. I've owned all of the small blocks: 5.7s, 350 mags, 377 mags and 383 race so I have some idea as to their construction and capabilities. Before shelling out your hard earned $$$ I'd get a ride in a 5.7 v.s. a 6.2 Mag and make my own mind up. You've got a great opportunity to get this right. You don't want to be sorry once it's too late to correct without another re-build! My 2 cents :-) Good luck. MT
BTW just looked at Rinker promotional video for the Rinker 192. Rinker calls it their entry level bow rider. They offer engine choices from 135HP to 270HP. Which is not only EXCELLENT but also a sign of the times. No doubt, many buyers will purchase the 4.3 mpi 190 HP version, which will still go like stink! BUT - in my opinion - HP is where everyone is going. When you can get a 5.7 270HP motor in an ENTRY level 192 I repeat - that's a 192 - to me, it shows you where the research is going. Look at cars as another example. I know I'm flogging the issue of HP here but I don't know anybody who bought something and said sh*t I got too much horsepower - darn! :-) MT
I'm assuming you are talking about the 260/265 fiesta vee. I owned a 1994 265 with the 270 hp carbureted 350 with a B2 outdrive. First, it is not a boat that you are doing any sort of water sports with. That motor was fine. I agree with MT on the Mag 350. The extra power would be nice when you have more people, but even with a loaded boat and trim tabs, we never had a problem getting on plane and cruising. The cruising speed was 24-26 and top was 39-41 depending on the bottom and water conditions. I know people who had the 454, but it weighed so much more and their performance loaded was not any better and fuel economy was worse. If you can get more power without the weight, I would consider it. My 2 cents. Good luck and Happy boating!!!
JF5, I wouldn't begin to argue the performance of a 270 with you as you owned one and have the experience, I have not. I would say that a 454 is a great engine for reliability and to use as a starting point for more horsepower. BUT a 454 with 330 HP is - exactly as you said - way too heavy for the HP - the weight to HP ratio is way off. The 350 Mag at 300 HP would be a good choice and the 377 Mag at 320 HP AND a huge torgue increase would be even better, that or taking a 350 to a builder. MT
What he said...
Thanks for all you're answers. Much appreciated. Now it's just going to depend on if the outdrive is good. If I don't need an outdrive I'll put mor money into a nicer motor. Right now the out drive is off and the drive shaft spins but the prop is stuck. Thanks again.
Go for the 496 (8.1) I have on in a 270 and it rocks