Mercruiser 140 turbo

[Grub54891]

A guy called me, said he has a turbo for a mercruiser 140. Is it a bad idea to install it on my 140 ? Im leaning on not but just wanted some opinions. And how much are they worth? My engine is a 1985 vintage,great compression,uses no oil,and runs perfect. I'd hate to wreck it over adding the turbo.
Grub

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

I have never seen a turbo on a 3.0, or any marine gas motor. Been around plenty of diesels with turbos

my first question, is it water cooled?
my second question is where is the exhaust system routed?
my third question, what kind of turbo system, I assume its a draw thru system which in and of itself presents problems.

My last question, why not use a whipple charger. basically a belt driven superchager using a gearbox and the compressor end similar to a turbo charger, however without the glowing red hot source of ignition known as the exhaust end of the turbo charger

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

Dunno,haven't seen it yet. Just trying to get some opinions.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

Dunno,haven't seen it yet. Just trying to get some opinions.

Ayuh,.... Some Machine Shop, I believe in Wisconsin, or Michigan built those systems, Years ago,...

They've been discussed on here before, with pictures,...

try a search,...

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

Thank's guy's. I did just search as Bondo said. I think I'll pass on this one. If he gets me the pictures I'll look it over,and see if the price is right,heck mabe it could be re-sold for a buck.
Grub

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

I think it would be better if someone put out a nitrous system for marine use.

The 4 cylinder I/O's are notoriously slow coming off an idle. You could spray nitrous for a few seconds pulling a skier out of the water, and then cut it off.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

I think it would be better if someone put out a nitrous system for marine use.

The 4 cylinder I/O's are notoriously slow coming off an idle. You could spray nitrous for a few seconds pulling a skier out of the water, and then cut it off.

Don't have any issues when pulling up a skiier or running at any time. If there is an issue with them,a good tune up is in order.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

There is a lot more to turbocharging an engine than just bolting it on.

Turbocharged engines typically run a much lower compression ratio than non turbo units. Not always, but typically. Personally, I think the 3.0L GM Industrial based pushrod four, is at its max as it is at 130 HP.

New engine management systems (direct injection, etc.) have allowed turbocharging on on high compression engines. But, that is beyond backyard technology.

Can you bolt one on and cool it-maybe. Will it live on a 2.5 or 3.0 GM engine? Decidedly-NO!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

with some port work, the right cam choice and a larger carb you can get about 170 - 180 hp out of the 3.0 liter. however the cost to do that would land you a nice 4.3 ready to go.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

I have read a few threads over the years about those. The biggest problem I have seen is getting a system that is complete. I wouldn't do it but if you do and end up getting pinging even with high octane you could do water injection. I was big into Saabs and water injection is used on them when running over 25lbs or so of boost.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

If done right there would be a nice performance gain....better said a cheap thrill. Again if done right it's probably a 3-4000 mod that would be a 5.7 bone stock and a really big thrill....

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Mercruiser 140 turbo

Agreed with all of the above,researched a bit, not doing it. Stick with what I have,why create issues when out to sea!
Grub