Proboss engine question

flsurflover · Outlaw Joined: 16 Jul 2003 Posts: 131 City: Melbourne, FL

I'm looking at a 1989 Ski Nautique. The guy says it has a "Proboss 350" motor in it, with 860 hours on it. I know that is more than the average amount of hours, but that most engines go a lot longer than that. But I'm only familiar with the PCM 351 motors. Is Proboss from PCM? And is this really a chevy-based 350, or is he just confused and it is a ford-based 351?

What's the story with Proboss, good or bad, and why? What's the difference between it and a regular PCM 351?

I'm calling the guy back tonight, so any info as soon as possible would be really helpful. Thanks!

clipper · Newbie Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 4

The Pro Boss engine is a PCM 351W with GT40 heads and chances are that is what the boat has. If it was maintained properly, 860 hours is nothing to worry about.

flsurflover · Outlaw Joined: 16 Jul 2003 Posts: 131 City: Melbourne, FL

Thanks for the info. Does anybody know if the '89 version is points or electronic ignition? Also could this Proboss be either a 5.0L or a 5.8L, or were they all 5.8L 300hp? The standard PCM 351 is 5.0L, right?

clipper · Newbie Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 4

I believe the 89's had points. It's real easy to check, how many wires are coming out of the distributor? All of the Pro Boss engines are 5.8L as well as the standard engines. The 5.0L has not been used for a while.