Rinker 180 Bowrider

glennfam2003glennfam2003 Member Posts: 7 ✭
in Engine Discussions
I have a 2000 Rinker Bowrider with the 3.0L engine. The engine is shot but it was gutless anyway. Is it possible to replace it with a bigger engine?  Anyone ever done this? 
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  • Cableguy GregCableguy Greg Member Posts: 5,066 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The 180/182 came standard with the 3.0/Alpha 1 drive. There was an optional 4.3L/Alpha 1 engine/drive combo. If you got that option, the interior was changed to a "sport" interior with a large sun deck and bench seat with 2 captains chairs. You might be able to fit the 4.3L engine under the engine cover. It will probably be tight. If you can do that, it will be a rocket. My father had a 182 with the 3.0, and he would hit 48MPH. There was a 182 with the 4.3L at my old marina and she would easily hit upper 50's.
    2008 280 Express Cruiser, 6.2MPI, B3, Pittsburgh, PA "Blue Ayes" (Sold)
    2022 Cherokee 294GEBG Black Label land yacht. 
    Go Steelers!!!
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  • glennfam2003glennfam2003 Member Posts: 7 ✭
    edited March 2018
    I unfortunately have the 3.0L option. 
    Would it be possible to replace mine with the 4.3L engine??? 
    Post edited by glennfam2003 on
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  • skennellyskennelly Member Posts: 2,196 ✭✭✭✭
    My previous boat was a Crownline 182 with a 5.0L.  Talk about a rocket on water.
    2002 - 270FV Mag 350 B3
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  • Michael TMichael T Member Posts: 7,241 ✭✭✭✭✭
    @glennfam2003. As @Cableguy Greg said "It might fit". Look up the dimensions of a 4.3 on any Mercury or Volvo website. You may even be able to use the drive you have. A Mercury Alpha drive can easily handle the HP from a 4.3 but it might not have the correct gearing or more likely will require a prop change from a 19" or 21" pitch to a 23" pitch or a 4 blade.

    I bought a new 1994 Rinker 190 with a 4.3 LX in it which I swapped out with a 350 Magnum which I later had stroked to a  390 HP 383. So, yes it is certainly possible if you can fit it in and IMO your 180 hull should be fine with a 4.3 in it. It would, as @skennelly stated, be a rocket! Keep us posted as you investigate! Good luck!
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  • glennfam2003glennfam2003 Member Posts: 7 ✭
    Well, as it turns out, the drive is not the same so it would not be an economical option. 
    Now to find a motor to replace the 3.0. Any suggestions?
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  • Cableguy GregCableguy Greg Member Posts: 5,066 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Michigan Motorz has some options for you. They have long blocks if some of the components are still good on your current engine, or a complete engine.
    2008 280 Express Cruiser, 6.2MPI, B3, Pittsburgh, PA "Blue Ayes" (Sold)
    2022 Cherokee 294GEBG Black Label land yacht. 
    Go Steelers!!!
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  • Handymans342Handymans342 Member Posts: 10,375 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2018
    Per @Michael T, put in the biggest motor the boat can handle. 
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