Engine Replacements for 1977 Bertram

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 5:27 am

I think a long block would be a lot less work. Not so sure I'd be swapping heads off of a questionable motor. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

dealerschoice · Post by **dealerschoice** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 6:11 am

Rissa, Let me have my guys check to see what is available through my parts department. If you could give me some info on year or engine number that could help. Is it a right or left hand engine or do they still make counter rotation engines(maybe some of you other guys can answer this)? Not promising anything but maybe we can save a few bucks. Scott

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:24 am

I don't know anyone who makes a counter rotation engine anymore....anything available is re-built from my limited research. Long Block is the way to go here. What ever the difference in cost is between a long & short block will be quickly realized having a mechanic mount and align the heads on a short block. Also, with a long block, you know for sure that you're starting with solid compression. Rick Ticket 85 SF Falmouth, MA

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 11:20 am

It's one thing to bolt your old engine parts (intake, carb, alt, starter) on a new long block, but in the marine application I see no reason to re-use heads unless they've very recently and competently been re-worked. Here's another option, check out the for sale section of bertram31.com, Harry's selling a set of running 454's IMHO, whatever you think it will take in time and $$ to covert to diesel, double it. Mine is still going on and while I've contained most costs, there's always something new popping up. br, John John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

dealerschoice · Post by **dealerschoice** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 11:26 am

I can order a 454 long block or short block. I agree with you Rick that a long block is the way to go. Just need to know whether the intake ports are oval or square and a few other things of importance. Prices seemed reasonable to me for brand new engine with 425 hp. Just give me a reply and I will see what other info I can dig up. Scott

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 12:27 pm

John, Harry's engines are RWC. He doesn't mention hours, but he's smoking crack if he thinks he'll be getting anything close to the $5600 he's asking. If he can get $2K for the pair he should take the money and run. Shoot, I only got $1800 for my 1300hr FWC 454's with 1.9:1 BW's last spring and I know Bill ($2500) and Gene ($3K) didn't do much better. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:54 am

Doug, I agree with you, I just pointed out that it was an option, also asking and getting prices are 2 different animals. I sold my 454's locally for $3200 delivered and they basically had unknown hrs, thoug I did have docs for a long block replacement in '94. John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 8:41 am

I hear you. Sorry if my reply sounded a little harsh. As those that know me can attest, I'm much worse in person. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

dealerschoice · Post by **dealerschoice** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:21 am

GM does make a 454 long block with intake, 4 bolt mains, steel crank, and cast iron heads. I think the water pump and balancer are also included. All someone would have to do is install ignition, exhaust, and carb. Cost on these engines is about $5,200. If anyone is interested just e-mail me or reply on here. I will be glad to fax you the specs that I have. Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Scott

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 3:19 pm

scott, I could be wrong but I don't believe they are available as opposite rotation. Unfortunately, it seems like the opposite rotation engine is the one that always goes first. Al

dealerschoice · Post by **dealerschoice** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:04 pm

I am pretty sure you are correct. Even the new 6.0s and 8.1s only turn one way, the direction is changed in the gear. It might be possibe to run a standard engine with a backwards gear if you rotate the pump 180 degrees. It has been too long for me to remember exactly what can be done but a good marine technician will know. Scott

Grady Smith · Post by **Grady Smith** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 5:06 am

I just went thru this. If I remember correctly my engine guy told me to use my 72's and run one backwards. I didn't think this right so I called BAM in Fl which had prepped them and they said no way. The tranny would fail in a couple of hours behind 496's......you can't run a Velvet Drive 72 backwards........so I bought a set of downangle 63a's which will allow you to run one backwards.

jeff · Post by **jeff** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 3:01 pm

Hi Rissa, Sounds like you're getting some good and bad advice.I and my 77 Bert are in Sarasota, about 2 hours from you. I repowered with 300hp Cummins about 3 years ago. If you'd like to see how one of these boats performs with real motors, come on down and I'll demo it for you. These boats are so much happier at 24kts than at 19/20kts - that it's amazing. I can also give you a lot of insight on the conversion process if you would like. Give me a call @ 941.302.1545 or respond here. Let me know. Jeff Now and Then

jeff · Post by **jeff** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 3:34 pm

Rissa, The difference between a normal rotation V8 engine and a counter rotation engine is the camshaft. If you got short blocks you can put a counter rotation camshaft in one of the engines. My 77 origanily came with a counter rotation motor on the port side. The direction change was made in the transmission. The 454's run ok backwards maybe a little noisier but ok. Jeff Now and Then

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:39 am

I bought a diesel boat. Mine has the 315 Cummins and the boat really runs great with the diesel engines. These boats do run much better with diesel. The negative with doing a gas to diesel conversion is it's hard to get that money back, especially in this boat market unless you plan on keeping the boat for a while. Buzz buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City. NC