"Lloyd Sumpter" wrote in message
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Alternatively, look at sealing the transom and using a V-drive, so you
wouldn't have that pesky outdrive to screw up your reliability.

I actually considered this, the fuel tank sits in the center of the boat.
So I would have to relocate the tank and reinforce the stringers. It could
be done... A nice 4-71 Detroit and a borg warner velvet drive (they still
make these?) or since I am doing it, how about a steel frame, 3-blade prop
and a 454. Viola a "franken-air-speed boat"... :-)

I figure worst comes to worst just yank the 5.7 out and install a marinized
6.2 in the same spot. I was concerned the gear set in the drive would not
last very long. When shifting, the engine will drop a bank of cylinders to
reduce wear on the gear sets. This would not be possible with the
mechanical injection on the diesel. We will see, probably just go with a
Mercruiser 6-cyl diesel. It is a nice engine (Cummins 4.2L*) and should
last a long time. Thanks for the post.

mark

* http://www.cmdmarine.com/recreationalsterndrives.html