i have a 98 sea ray with a cracked block, i was looking at all my choices i have to fix it, the cheapest one i thought of was replacing the block with a truck block 4.3 and i was just wondering would that be possible are they the same thing if was to just switch over everything from my engine to the new one. please help. thinks for any info you have to give.

I don't know how many versions of the 4.3L block are out there so you would have to be sure you find a compatible version and replace the steel freeze plugs with brass blogs. You will also need new marine head gaskets.

Beyond that, a remanufactured short block from a marine remanufacturer would be the best way to go if the cylinder heads from your old motor are still in good shape.

Either way, I would strongly recommend getting a factory service and repair manual for your engine and outdrive. There's a lot more to it than you think.

any recommendations on any place to buy a remanufactured short bllock from.

Doug Russell is a start, but you will want to look in your area as shipping can be pricey.

Jasper builds a quality product, from my experience.

http://www.jasperengines.com/marine-products.php

Maybe not the cheapest way out, but then sometimes the cheap way is the most expensive!

I assume the cracked motor is a 4.3? The 4.3 is just the 5.7 less 2 cylinders.

You could upgrade to a 5.0 or 5.7 (probably) and put a "tiger in your tank." The stringers might need to be plugged and re-drilled for the mounts but according to a Mercruiser tech I talked to a couple years ago, the only swap that doesn't work is the 3.0 to anything else.

If you go to a v8 the drive is a different ratio in the upper. Also if the the block is cracked the exhaust manifolds are probaly also. If they are 1 piece exhaust manifolds from Mercruiser they are no longer available and the changeover is about 2000-2500. I can sell you all of this and will give 10 percent off for ABC members. If you have engine seriasl numbers I can quote you. Jasper will probably charge a core becuase your s is cracked. Harry 708-535-7445

I have no affiliation with Jasper, I just know the products I've used were of good quality.

I have used the jasper blocks and only had one go bad. I have been using Mercury and Tri-star motors as jasper has raised some of there core charges.