what engines can I easily upgrade to?

[troutlet]

I have a 1979 Mercruiser 120. I'm looking to change this out and already know that a 140 is an easy swap. My question is what others (if any) are fairly easy to upgrade to. I seem to find lots of 470, 165, 3.0 engines. I currently have the original merc 120 outdrive as well but I'm also looking to upgrade that.<br />My goal is an economical, reliable powerplant that will be relatively easy to install and that I can find a good deal on.

 

[Bondo]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

Your "Easy" choices are the 120hp, 2.5l, 153cid motor,..<br />Or the 140hp 3.0l 181cid motor.......<br /><br />The 165hp, I-6 is an option,... But there'll be moving the motor mounts,+ dealing with the outdrive Ratio Issues to deal with.....<br /><br />The 470 is Not really an option At All.....

 

[troutlet]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

Thanks Bondo I really appreciate you clearing it up for me. So now I'm looking for a 140 or a Really good 120.

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

what are the "outdrive ratio issues"

 

[Bondo]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

The GM based 4cyl.s use a 1.98/1......<br /><br />The I-6 uses a 1.84/1........

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

bondo, what does that mean?? where is the ratio coming from? I guess I thought it was a direct drive from the engine to the driveshaft so it would be 1:1 going into the outdrive.

 

[Weirdwalt]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

The ratio is determined by the gears in the top of the drive where the powerflow makes a 90 degree turn down. The drive gear will have more teeth than the driven gear.

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

ahhhhhh.... ok, thanks. will have to look at my manual to see how that works. thanks!

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

I think the IL6 uses the 1.65:1..........

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

go 3.0... simple swap always the best swap.<br />+ I think Bondo has one sitting in his shop. Buy that one.

 

[troutlet]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

Bondo? Watcha got? You can email or PM me if you want.

 

[Mile-High Mariner]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

Bondo - I think ol' hystat deserves a commission for that gratuitous referral!

 

[Bondo]

Re: what engines can I easily upgrade to?

Try me at bbondo At gmail.com........<br /><br />That thread got Poofed,............ Peddling without a licence I guess..........