Looking for some expert advice, Serial # 0F368185 is for a 5.7L Alpha

[oneradride]

Looking for some expert advice.... I really messed up and missed a drain plug last fall and now the block is cracked internally and leaking water into the oil. It's a 1995 Maxum with a 5.7 merc.

Serial # 0F368185 is for a 5.7L Alpha engine that was built at MerCruiser on 7-7-94. This engine has 2 bolt main bearing caps, a cast iron camshaft and steel fuel pump and push rods. It was built with flat lifters.

My question is, can I run a newer (than 1995) marine engine and have everything bolt back up? Everything I'm reading about engines says 87-95 and then 96 and newer? What's the difference? I think the 1995 and newer are vortec so a short block probably would not accept my current intake, maybe not even the exhaust.... Please let me know your thoughts, pro/cons anything.