Looking for some guidance from the pros on this forum. I am looking at options for my 2008 Regal 3760 and instead of rebuilding the old 8.1 OSI-D engines, came across the new V8 380 turnkey engines at a reasonable price. Since they both work with DPS drives, and I have brand new DPS-A drives on the boat already, how difficult would it be to change the engine to the new V8 380 engine? My concern is the existing wiring of the boat that is meant to work with the old 8.1s? Also, the engine mounts, fitment etc. Has anyone done this before? Also, the engine specifications for the new engine call for a 1.95 ratio. Since my outdrives are new, could I still use them since they are a 1.78 ratio? Thank you all in advance for your help.

 

Volvo Penta did a major change to their engines in 2012. All the models changed model numbers. The new engine will probably have catalytic converters and a lot more sensors and the ECM will do more for the engine. But I would believe the actual block is the same. You are going to have to work with the gauges and similar at the helm.

What about a reman long block of same model engine?

 

Apart from the cluster electronics, it should be easy to bolt on to the existing DPS drives, at least I hope so... These new engines are turn-key and apart from supplying the fuel, power and cooling, it should be easy to get them running. Not sure about the engine mounts, they may need to be moved. I hope the DPS drives would easily couple to these engines since they are made to work with DPS drives. My drives are new and I would really like to keep them. Also, the new engine specs call for a 1.95 drive ratio. My drives are 1.78. not sure how that would work out. I would prefer new engines to rebuilding the old ones. I never had much luck with rebuilt engines in the past...

 

Worst case is you get a new upper drive with the correct ratio.

Or get a place that knows what they are doing to swap out the gear set which is probably $1400 alone.

Slap the drives on a pallet and send to All American Drives in Michigan or Illinois. Somewhere around there. I had my VP drive rebuilt when metal particles were found in the gear oil and then teeth were found missing in a main gear. Found right after I purchased the boat but not during survey.