total rebuild or SBT remanufactured engine ?

[1800chall_tim]

i have to make a decision this winter, my crank seals are bad on my port side engine. the boat (challenger 1800) is going on 14 years old. so if i tear it down to the lower end i should rebuild it all. my question is should i just purchase the $845 SBT reman. engine with the one year warranty? i have not tore into many engines for several years now, but i am pretty sure i could switch out from my engine to the new engine.

 

[Albysure]

I went and just purchased one from sbt instead of rebuild...crank alone cost a lot...had mine for two years now and no issue...I would spend a little more and get there premium engine...mine was around $945...plus now I think they have a two year warranty..also pick up the engine alignment tool...around $150...well worth it...are you close to sbt?

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... just get an SBT. You really can't do it yourself cheaper... and once you are done... you won't have a warranty.

 

[1800chall_tim]

I went and just purchased one from sbt instead of rebuild...crank alone cost a lot...had mine for two years now and no issue...I would spend a little more and get there premium engine...mine was around $945...plus now I think they have a two year warranty..also pick up the engine alignment tool...around $150...well worth it...are you close to sbt?

if i didn't need a crank the rebuild would be more appealing. i live in northern wisconsin, where is SBT located? can i still return the alignment tool and get a partial refund?

 

[LouDoo]

SBT is located in Clearwater, Florida. You might also want to check out FullBore and SES. If you want to be back in the water this summer SBT is the answer.

Lou

 

[1800chall_tim]

i plan to keep using it the remainder of the season then deal with the engine this winter. the crank seals are bad and i have to pinch the oil lines in between uses. SES is the most affordable, while fullbore throws a pretty appealing pitch about the way they do work. any complaints with sbt?

 

[LouDoo]

Personally, and this is just my opinion, I like SBT, I was giving you other options because of freight charges.

Lou

 

[1800chall_tim]

I went and just purchased one from sbt instead of rebuild...crank alone cost a lot...had mine for two years now and no issue...I would spend a little more and get there premium engine...mine was around $945...plus now I think they have a two year warranty..also pick up the engine alignment tool...around $150...well worth it...are you close to sbt?

what was the compression on the reman. engine you got from SBT? did you have to add or remove shims to align new engine?

 

[Albysure]

If your motor is that old I would replace the crank...the premium engine just uses better bearings and so...you can rent the alignment tool....or if u got shims on yours already try it first with out...you'll be able to tell if its not aligned...

 

[scski]

My understanding is the premium engine has the same parts as standard, it just comes with an extra year of warranty.

 

[Albysure]

I thought it had different bearings in the bottom end...either way $100 more for another year.....can't beat it...

 

[scski]

Actually it's a $250 difference.

Premium is 1195, standard is 845.

 

[Albysure]

Damn they gone up...I paid $945.... Still that far in go for it...one year warranty is good, two year is much better...

 

[howie099]

The engine prices usually go down in the off season. Like in off season fullbore upgrades his warranty from 2 to 3 years and other discounts. They are located in MI so he is not as busy in the cool months. I have had fullbore do 3 topends for me and all are doing good.

 

[koontek]

I saw rebuild it. This way you know what is going into your motor. Even if your motor goes bad with the warranty cost a lot to ship it back and forth.

 

[1800chall_tim]

well.... it can wait until the off season, so then i will have time to rebuild or send it out. i just wanted to get some ideas. i think i would trust a shop to do it more than myself.

 

[Albysure]

Yea sounds good...I would do the same....I did the same...if u wanna practice on one pick one up on Craigslist..I found several in my area for around $100...

 

[Guest_User]

OP, Tim, you have PM...