Trojan Boat Forum

So Crusader is no longer offering a big block marine engine. GM no longer produces a big block engine, which was replaced by a 6.2L, which does not have the low end torque of the big blocks. So for those guys that have the BB gassers, and want to refit or replace a current engine, what do you do now? Is diesel the only option? And if you can't afford the HUGE costs associated with a Diesel refit, what do you do?

I think all these BB gassers are going to need to be replaced sooner than later with the new federal mandates on E15 fuel. Eventually it will be mandated on the water, and these older engines will not handle it. So what do you do?

Do you think there will be a viable gas BB replacement for the 32 to 40 something foot Trojans? Or will this be the true end to the Trojan gassers?

My initial thinking is that, unless someone's block is totally trashed, it can be rebuilt almost endlessly with new internals. It would be highly unlikely that the block itself would become bad. I can think of spun bearings, heads, gaskets, piston rings, cooling components, etc, which will always be available on the aftermarket. Just keep that block healthy and it will outlive the owner.

Small blocks can do the work BUT and this is the but the install has to be done right and most times it is not . Most of the time when refitted to small blocks they do not get the gearing right so they can't run a prop of the correct size for the boat .you replace a BB with a 2 to 1 gear with a high out put SB you need to go to a 2.57 or so gear .

Same goes for diesels you would not gear a 2800rpm Cummins the same as a 3800 rpm Yanmar


E 10 will effect the fuel system not the engine life it self . The feds have oked the use of E15 But has not mandated it Big difference

GM stopped 8.1L production but is replacing them with the 8.2L. So Merc, Crusader, I magine any other builders that use GM blocks for gassers (Volvo too) will pick up the 8.2 line.

The small block has been push to 7.0 , close to big block CID could we see this in the marine field some day ?

Sorry for my stupidity, but Crusader still advertises an 8.1 and an 8.1HO on their web site... are you saying they no longer offer it but just haven't updated the site yet? I thought a few manufacturers had switched to Vortec based engine platforms over the past 2-3 years - are none of those an option?

Rebuilding is always a possibility...there and numerous "big block" blocks out there and cranks, heads, pistons, rods....etc......you will always be able to rebuild..................my 350's make 330 hp, about the same as the big blocks however torque for a bigger boat is a different matter.................John

captainmaniac wrote:Sorry for my stupidity, but Crusader still advertises an 8.1 and an 8.1HO on their web site... are you saying they no longer offer it but just haven't updated the site yet? I thought a few manufacturers had switched to Vortec based engine platforms over the past 2-3 years - are none of those an option?

I believe they may have bought up a large supply of the blocks so the can offer the choice for some time to come.

This is of course second or third hand info, but a couple of people have tried to purchase the 8.1l and the suppliers are saying they are not available. If this is true, I do not know why Crusader would still advertise it. Someone said that they spoke to a Crusader rep, and they have no plans to have another big block motor and are concentrating on the small blocks currently offered.

I know there will always be the option to rebuild what you already have, but what if you were looking to refit your big Trojan with a more fuel efficient, fuel injected, and more powerful engine pair with the Crusader 8.1Ls, because you could not swing for a set of diesels. This was always a good option for the guy looking to boost torque and performance with less fuel usage in lieu of the expense of a diesel refit. They couldn't match the diesel's performance, but you would have to run through a lot of gas to make up the difference.

I know Merc was advertising the new 8.2s, but as I said, someone reported that Crusader was not planning on going with any big blocks and were sticking with the small block as their flagship setup. I have Crusader now, so I was hoping for an easy swap out in lieu of switching manufactures.

The marine engine industry eventually follows the automotive industry, and I think the Big block gassers are a thing of the past in the automotive industry. Fuel efficiency is the flavor, and there is a big push toward using smaller motors to push more HP and torque. A good example of this is the new Ford EcoBoost. You're looking at a 3.5 Liter V6 with a pair of turbos producing the same torque over a longer range than the 6.2Ls offered in their 1 tons. Its better on fuel and has the same towing capacity as their largest gasser. This is the future. But, what does it mean for the marine industry?

Do you see the Duramax (GM based) Diesel coming over to the marine side?

"Do you see the Duramax (GM based) Diesel coming over to the marine side?"


Yes its here Gale Banks is the first one to do it.


http://www.banksmarine.com/

In spite of what Crusader may say now, market share and market conditions/demand is what will drive the final outcome ongoing if they want to stay competative/in business. Big block gassers on the way out? I don't see it happening IMO.

prowlersfish wrote:"Do you see the Duramax (GM based) Diesel coming over to the marine side?"


Yes its here Gale Banks is the first one to do it.


http://www.banksmarine.com/

I went to the website not much info there. I wonder what a refit with those baby's would co$t?

duramax:

isnt that a isuzu?

gettaway wrote:duramax:

isnt that a isuzu?

Joint venture

hi as far as i know there are plenty of 454 and 502 gm engines available in left hand rotation. they have brand new crate motors as well as remanufactured long blocks and for right hand rotation there is just remanufactured long blocks. most of the remans require a block exchange or core charge and they vary in price. i found a place with in reasonable distance and saved shipping and core charge and sales tax. i got a brand new 454 320 hp with oil pan valve covers harmonic balancer and timing chain cover all installed with roller rockers gen 6 for 4800.00 and a reman. right hand rotation long block gen 5 for 3250.00 . when i was there last they were waiting on a shipment of 502's - don t know if you already solved your problem -if not i hope this helps good luck