Was a 351 ever an option for the Saltare?

[zalamander]

I've read through the owners manual, and even the PCM engines manual, and I cannot find an answer to this question.
Was the PCM 351 ever an option for the 23' Saltare?
If not, do you think that a 351 could push a Saltare well?

[zalamander]

Anyways, the reason I ask is because I just picked up a beautiful black Saltare with a cracked 454. I still have my SunSport, but I had a chance to steal this Saltare so I couldnt pass it up. I have a complete PCM 351 setup and wanted to throw it in her.78727873787478757876

[wspeedin]

I know the Saltare had a 350 option and a 454 option so Im sure the 351 could push it, however, it will use up more gas using a small block instead of the big block because it will take more gas to push that big girl around the lake or waterway. I think if you got the motor already than you can find a way to get it in there and make it work. :) goood luck

[cadunkle]

One of the guys here has a Saltare with a 351w. I wouldn't thing it would do very well. You'd have to prop it lower on pitch which would put RPM higher so more wear on the engine, lower top speed and likely fairly high fuel consumption. I would just build another 454 for it, or really if the 454 in my Saltare ever had a catastrophic failure I'd probably build a Ford 460 for it, possibly stroked to 545.

[AustinSaltare]

I operated an '87 Saltare with a 454, 1:1 tranny and 3-blade prop for the past 10+ years and recently replaced it with a '92 Saltare with a 5.8 HO (351), 1.25:1 tranny and 4-blade prop. I have to say that I haven't noticed any difference in the hole-shot and identical top end numbers but much improved fuel mileage with the 5.8 over the 454. I'm a die-hard chevy guy and would have preferred the 454 but got a great deal on the '92 with the 5.8 and as it turns out, I get every bit the performance from the 5.8 with much improved fuel consumption.

[zalamander]

Thanks everyone. Since the 351 setup is complete and sounds like it will work fine, I'm going to go that route.

[haugy]

Yes the 351w will work fine. Seeing the powerband of my Mariah and now having a Saltare, it will be fine. Rock it.

And I'm so glad you posted pictures. Since I'm re-striping my Saltare, I was going with the exact look of yours. Now I get to see it in person, and it looks awesome!!! That helps me decide what I need to do. Congrats.

Another option would be to buy a short block 454, and build it with the components of the old engine with a few updates and replaced worn parts. You could build a very fuel efficient motor with alot of power that way if you wanted to. Rather than pull the motor from your Sunsport.

[Loadup]

To assure that a 351W is suffient that is what is in my 1990 Saltare. See "losing fire" thread for pics after it was tuned up and cleaned up.

[Loadup]

Forgot to mention She sure is purdy.

[Blackntan90]

Zalamander, how much do you want for the Saltare? Just what I am looking for!

[DAFF]

You can always make the 351 a HO.... Heads intake carb work under $800.00.

[cadunkle]

I operated an '87 Saltare with a 454, 1:1 tranny and 3-blade prop for the past 10+ years and recently replaced it with a '92 Saltare with a 5.8 HO (351), 1.25:1 tranny and 4-blade prop. I have to say that I haven't noticed any difference in the hole-shot and identical top end numbers but much improved fuel mileage with the 5.8 over the 454.

This doesn't make any sense. You can't just drop nearly 100 HP and have the same performance. With a gear reduction trans and a 4 blade (depending on pitch) I could see maintaining a similar hole shot. I doubt a stock 351 would have the power to push a Saltare to the same top speed. With gear reduction trans you'd be turning a fair amount more RPM, as I doubt a 351 has the torque to turn a big enough prop to keep RPM down. As cast heads and factory manifolds along with these mild marine cams just don't make power above 5000 RPM. What was the top speed on each, how was it measured, and what RPM? If by pitot speedo I bet they were not 100% accurate and the 351 boat did not have the same top speed. Or if they were the same top speed on GPS, how was acceleration measured?

[sybrmike]

Congrats on the addition - man, she sure looks clean.

I think most of the mid 90's Salts had the GT40 version of the 351 (at least it seemed that way when I was looking for mine) to help close the hp gap with the 454. Personally, I think you'd notice a drop off in performance if you swapped a bone-stock, de-tuned, marinized, 351 in place of the big block, but it could still perform just fine. I mean 240 vs 330 hp, plus the torque differences - nothin's for free. However, it's not too difficult to get 350 ponies outta a 351 and still be reliable. Gear reduction & prop could make up for the torque. Heck, do like Beast & drop in that 496HO. Any way you decide to go, have fun.

[AustinSaltare]

Yep, if I hadn't experienced both myself I would have had my doubts as well but the 5.8 powers the boat every bit as good as did the 454 in my '87, even with 45 fewer ponies...GPS top speed for my '92, as it was for my '87, is 47 at WOT but neither would see anything over 5000 rpm.

[zalamander]

Thanks again everyone for the useful information. I am going to try to sell the Saltare this spring anywhere between $15,000 and $12,000 luck permitting. She really is a clean boat, no stress cracks in hull and solid floor and stringers. New interior, tower, wiring, guages... I could go on for a while. I am just trying to fund the upgrades that I am doing to my SunSport, now that that cap off resto (stringers & all) is now complete, and I've had her on the water all summer. I'll try to keep posting, and if anyone is interested, you can contact me here.

[haugy]

I am going to try to sell the Saltare this spring anywhere between $15,000 and $12,000 luck permitting.

That boat better be immaculate and in perfect condition to get that. And I mean perfect. I was able to get those ranges, but I'm not going to lie, my boat was in perfectly restored shape. But it was worse than yours was when I bought it, so it can be done. But it took me some serious time. Good luck man, and keep posting pics.

[zalamander]

That boat better be immaculate and in perfect condition to get that. And I mean perfect. I was able to get those ranges, but I'm not going to lie, my boat was in perfectly restored shape. But it was worse than yours was when I bought it, so it can be done. But it took me some serious time. Good luck man, and keep posting pics.
Been a while, but I know you're right. I've been pricing them lately, and I'm not willing to put that time & money in a boat I'm trying to flip.
I've fixed some of the upholstery, but gonna ask much less on selling price.

[haugy]

Did you get a motor in it yet?

[zalamander]

Not yet. Putting the 454 in the sunsport hopefully in 2 weeks, and getting it to the lake spot. Then bringing the salty out of storage and finishing that project.