PCM Excalibur in a 1976 Mustang 17

I am working with Richard at D.I.M. to repower my 1976 Mustang 17. Hes trying to see if the 330hp multi-port PCM chevy 350 will fit. I was originally going to put the carbed version in, but he convinced me how much better the EFI engines perform. Anyway, does anyone know of any headaches or reasons of concern? I'm keeping the tired 302 in case something happens. Also I am hoping it will pull heavy-weight slalom skiiers easier.. THANKS IN ADVANCE GUYS!!!

Thats correct, most are right hand rotation. I am using my existing 1:1 borg warner. The Excalibur is available in RH for about $900.00 more. It seems like any new engine with a hi-rise intake is gonna be a tight fit. Thanks for the Info!! Much appreciated!!

Thanks for the info! I measured our 74 Mustang with a OMC 225 today to see if it would fit. The 76 Mustang with the 302 is the one getting the engine, but its at the lake. It seems like it will fit except the exhaust risers are very high and might hit the engine cover as it tapers toward the top. Will probably measure the 76 tomorrow. Shounld'nt be any different except the shaft angle might be a bit lower on the 76. Thanks again!!

I replaced the 351 in my 84 ski with a pcm apex fuel injected 5.7l and couldnt be happier with the results. I am running the PCM 1.23:1 tranny with a 13x16 4-blade ss prop. If a motor box and pylon is your only mod nessesary, I'd say do it.

Jeff,

Why not re-build the 302? You can get 1 HP/Cubic inch on pump gas. You can bore it and gain a few more HP or stroke it for a huge gain and run a carb on top for less money and headache. Run the new prop Keith tested behind a strong rebuild and your in heaven.

The 330 HP PCM is probably Dyno number from a blueprinted engine and may not represent what you'll actually receive. Don't get me wrong I think they're great engines, but not worth such a radical change in my opinion.

Thanks 64 Skier and David F. I need to give you a few more details. I wanted a complete repower (PCM) so I can swap the engine again in a few years to maybe another boat. This will allow me time to rebuilt the tired 302, yet still use the boat. It also allows me flexibility in what I do with her. If I get a good deal on a another hull, it will make it easier. Swapping PCM to PCM is very easy, they even make wiring harness adapters. Anyway, I was working with D.I.M. and not even the 305 or 350 carbed will fit due to the manifolds. I measured my neighbors Ski Centurion PCM 351 and its wider than my 302 with the same manifolds and risers. My engine cover tapers too much at the top even for the new engines. Apparently the heads are wider than the 302. PCM will not make a RH 302, only Left. If Im going to spend money for new, I figured Id settle for the best since it will power just about anything and they are all the same width now. If the risers werent so high, it would fit!!   

Well, I decided to go with a PCM 350 RH 300hp carburated bobtail. I should be able to get it to fit with 3" risers instead of the 3.5" ones that come with it. Shes staightpiped so backpressure shouldnt be a factor. I went this way for a few reasons. I realized that with the Excalibur if it fails, I have to go to a dealer to fix it cause Im not gonna buy a scantool specific for that. I also need to do less mods to the boat and easier to swap if needed. I also figured when the carb gives me trouble I would be better off going with an aftermarket fuel injection kit so I can tinkey with it and make it run the way I want it. I ordered it this morning from Skidim and it will be here in about 3 weeks. I bought a new Acme 12.5x15 3 blade for the omc 225 mustang 2 yrs ago it its a bit to steep. Will see if the new 300hp will turn it. Will let everyone know how she goes when its in!!! AGAIN THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE REPLIES!!! IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!