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: 5,034 ✭✭✭✭✭
    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"
    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: 7,227 ✭✭✭✭✭
    @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: 5,034 ✭✭✭✭✭
    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"
    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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