Challenger 1800, will other than 800 fit?

[switt]

Have had a '97 challenger 1800 for about 10 yrs. Those 800 motors pop like corn and was wondering if anyone has replaced the 787/800 motors with something more reliable. Perhaps a 4 stroke?

 

[Dr Honda]

If they are built correctly... and the carbs aren't messed up... AND, gets fed synthetic API-TC oil... the 800 is one of the more reliable engines in the PWC world. I have one, right now, that is 19 years old, and runs STRONG !!!!!!!

So... if you are blowing them up.... you are either feeding them crap oil... or too lean... or they aren't getting built right.

With that said... with enough money... you can get anything to fit.

 

[ialonso]

With that said... with enough money... you can get anything to fit.

I use this one at work all the time...

If we can put a man on the moon, with enough time and money surely we can XXXXXX (for example: fit a different engine on a challenger 1800)

the other question, and the more interesting one, is whether it can be done in a cost effective way, vs. purchasing the other solution already built, and reaching a level of reliability that is acceptable.

I humbly propose that the answer is No, unless you are otherwise ahead of the game (You own some alternative motors already and are great at fabrication and this would be a fun project so hours of labor are a positive, for example)

Good Luck!

 

[c4markee]

My 800's in my 98 are the original never had the top end apart and compress like new. They have had the 2 stroke synthetic since day 1.

 

[Dr Honda]

..............
the other question, and the more interesting one, is whether it can be done in a cost effective way, vs. purchasing the other solution already built, and reaching a level of reliability that is acceptable.

I humbly propose that the answer is No,...........

Good Luck!

And that is the correct answer.

If the question was asked.... "Will anything bigger/more power BOLT into my 1800"... the answer is NO. But... with enough time and money... and assuming you have the skills to work with fiberglass, steel and aluminum... then you can find a donner ski with a modern 4-stroke... gut it... and glue all of it's giblets into the 1800 hull.


But personally... I would sell the 2-stroke boat, and find a 2006 or newer 1800. (it will have a 4-tec in it)