1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

JHuck

Seaman
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
63
I have a Merc 260 in a 1995 Baja. I am considering doing some engine upgrades. One upgrade might involve a different marine cam. For my year of motor, would it have a hyd flat tappet or roller cam?

Also, if I decide to go the 383 route, it is my understanding that this block uses a one piece rear seal...correct?
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,095
Re: 1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

would it have a hyd flat tappet or roller cam?

Ayuh,...

The Odds are it's a roller motor, but the only way to be Sure is to Look....

And, Yes, the 1 piece blocks came out in 1987....
 

AZSenza

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 11, 2008
Messages
521
Re: 1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

I just asked Mercruiser the same question Monday. My 1997 5.7 LX EFI is a flat tappet NON Roller with a highrise 4V intake with a TBI Adapter mated to a Bravo III. Rollers came out in late 1997 (If you have a Gen+) Vortecs on some and all starting with 98 models. My engine build date was june 96. To make sure send them your s/n, they will get right back to you!
 

JHuck

Seaman
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
63
Re: 1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

Who was your contact at Mercruiser?

Also, will the s/n be listed on top of the motor? The boat is currently in storage so it'll be a month or so until I can take a look.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,095
Re: 1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

will the s/n be listed on top of the motor?

Ayuh,...

It's stamped onto a metal tag riveted to the block, just ahead of the Starter...
 

AZSenza

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 11, 2008
Messages
521
Re: 1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

Went to the Mercury website, they have a link to ask tech questions. They ask that you not reply to any e-mails but use the contact merc area for all questions and replies. I was SHOCKED they got back so fast. Thats customer service! I have tried in vain to contact Larson (hull mfg) a few times with no response...
 

John_S

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
4,269
Re: 1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

Getting the serial number to Merc is best. When ever I have looked up parts, I thought the 260 model ended in the late 80's, and mid-90's should have been 5.7L, 5.7LX, or 350 MAG models. The roller cams came out in the 90's prior to vortec (gen+). 350 MAGs were the first to get them. Merc will tell you by serial number, but otherwise you have to look, to be sure.
 

JHuck

Seaman
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
63
Re: 1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

Got the boat out of storage last week. I was off a bit in my initial description. It is a 350 Mag, not a 260. Thus, I was happy to see roller lifters during the tear down yesterday. The block has 2 bolt mains.

Taking it to the machine shop today for prep for a 383 kit. Planning AFR heads, RPM Airgap, GLM manifolds, already have Captain's call exhaust.

Working on cam selection now. We all know how easy that is.

If anyone needs stock 350 Mag heads...I have a set!
 

FreeBeeTony

Captain
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
3,991
Re: 1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

Just curious.............what drive do you have?
Alpha or Bravo?
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,095
Re: 1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

Planning AFR heads, RPM Airgap, GLM manifolds,

Ayuh,...

Which AFR heads,..?? You want small intake runners for Torque....

Is the Rpm Airgap the single plane, or dual plane,..?? Single plane manifold Suck on a boat for the same reasons you want small intake runners...

GLM Manifolds are Known to have Problems,... Check the castings for nasties,+ make Sure the gasket surfaces are Flat...
 

JHuck

Seaman
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
63
Re: 1995 Mercruiser 260 - roller or flat tappet cam?

The heads will be 195's and the intake is a dual plane. Regarding torque, this thing should be a monster compared to the original set up (I hear Alphas are afraid of monsters).
 
Top