How about a Corvette engine in a jetboat...

[Scarab Jet]

Was wonderin'... As we are all trying to save weight to make our boats go faster, why don't we see more of an all aluminum engines (besides cost, of course)? Aluminum heads, yes... but I hardly ever see an aluminum block in a jetboat... you know... like GM's LS1 through LS7 engines in Corvettes.
Any thoughts from the guru's?

[sanger rat]

Just wait for the LS9. Intercooled and supercharged 650 HP. http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/jpg/6/engine_3-2w.jpg

[Xerophobic]

Been there done that :D
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/3722GlenF3.JPG

[speedymopars]

Been there done that :D
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/3722GlenF3.JPG
I'd be worried (maybe unfounded) that my block would waste away in a (reletively) short period of time....

[RICHARD TILL]

I`ve got a corvette with a stock all aluminum motor that might run well in a boat. Its a 350 c.i.d, 32 valve, 16 injectors and 4 overhead cams. The engine is an LT-5 in a 90 model ZR-1 rated at 375 hp. The interesting fact is that general motors contracted mercury marine in Stillwater, Oklahoma to cast and assemble it. Guess i`ll never know because i sure can`t junk the car to find out.

[MR V]

LS7 cast iron 1970, try ZL1 Aluminun, you save 150lbs cost $2000.00, but that was then. i run the LS7, changed pistons. if you need another set and not used, give a ring.

[Daytona100]

Well if anyone wants to try it out I have a LS-1 for sale 850.00. Mike:D

[Xerophobic]

I'd be worried (maybe unfounded) that my block would waste away in a (reletively) short period of time....
Im going to assume you mean due to corrosion? Have a closer look at the picture, thats a closed loop cooling system on that boat
Cheers

[THE BOSTON SIDEWINDER]

For salt water use add plenty of anodes and flush out every run! Electrolysis would have a field-day with all that alunimum!

[jet4fun]

there are a few guys out there running aluminum blocks. cyclone and sofaking do. but they are big blocks. you dont see very many small blocks in jet boats(other than the aluminum boats). i think the biggest reason more dont run them is cost. i hear plenty of people saying they want to run them, but cant justify the cost to save a little bit of weight.

[Wizard612]

Back in the day HP didn't mean as much in jets as torque hence the big bore vs. stroke relationship in big blocks. The closed loop cooling and high tech energy management systems used today may require you to use a heat exchanger to use lake water to cool the glycol in the cooling system which would also help with the electrolysis issue. If you go for it ,good luck since it could help keep jets a viable fun toy for the river.

[79Challenger]

With all of the extra steel bracing that is needed in an aluminum block... does the 100-200lb savings really warrant an extra 2k?

[Havasu Hangin']

There's lots of aluminum marine stuff out there being used in raw water cooling- heads, water pumps, intake and exhaust manifolds, etc. with no ill effects. Hell...I heard a rumor that there are even aluminum jet parts?
:jawdrop:
Iron rusts and aluminum corrodes- one is not necessarily better in raw fresh water durability.
weight savings = good