what do I do with this

[Checkmate Too]

Just picked this up. No power, It's set up for I/O. I have a complete alpha ss. Could go with a 5.7 or 4.3??. theres not a lot of room in this thing. Or can I hang a bracket and go outboard.
Got a 140 and 150 inline. Have to do some transom work anyway. Interior is all new. Hull has some scratches, but I'm going to buff out what I can and leave it for now. Any body need the trailer, Think it's kinda small for this boat.
Any thoughts on this boat would be appreciated.

[JW]

Classic. Put a 350 Mag in there with through transom exhaust and look/sound good!

[JustMercMe]

Put a 5.7 in it and turn it loose. Idea about the thru hull exhaust would be sweet too. I need a trailer like that for my Crosby sled but I'm way down here in AL.

Later,
Itchy

[Propster]

I have never seen an I/O Sidewinder. Most are jets or O/B. Looks just like my old one. Mine had a 455 Olds/Jet. Fun boat, handles well, sort of heavy. Check the stringers, mine were so rotted that the whole boat flexed while going over rough water. If you need a windshield, they are still making them in Redmond Washington (Middy Plastic Products)

[Checkmate Too]

Can't imagine a big block in this.
What kinda speed we talking. I read sidewinders like to chine walk over 60.
Guy..I don't mind the attention, but all the crybaby property owners up there pissed and moaned so much a lot of guys won't run the river anymore

[Raceman]

There was one of those on our lake when I had my 18' Sidewinder outboard. The one here came with an inline sterndrive and I think it was 4 cyl, but might've been 6. Anyhow, he stuck a warmed up 350 in it and blew the drive about every time he ran it. I don't think there was anything made then (mid 70's) drive wise that would hold it without going to the race stuff. I think it'd be a great package with a smallblock V8 and an Alpha.

As a side comment, why are waterfront property owners who expect a little peace and quiet at home always crybabies or selfish? One of my neighbors at home continually bitches about the kids in the neighborhood riding around with boom boom sterios, but thinks I'm selfish when I bitch about tournament bass fishermen coming by the lakehouse at 6 AM with relieved exhaust. A former neighbor had a jetboat with open exhausts that he frequently rode around in fairly late at night, yet continually complained about a neighbor's barking dog and called the police when there was a late night party with a band down the street. I just don't get the double standard.

[Raceman]

Those boats do chine walk at 60+ because of the rounded bottom. That one might be a good prospect for a pad since you've got glasswork to do anyway. The weight of the sterndrive package might offset the wallowing of the round bottom some, but it's still gonna be there at some speed.