Mercruiser 165 vs. Chev 250

[77GlastronMT]

Are the parts interchangeable? If I need a new motor can I just install the Chevy motor? Head?? Thanks!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 165 vs. Chev 250

Are the parts interchangeable? If I need a new motor can I just install the Chevy motor? Head?? Thanks!!

Ayuh,... The 165hp I6 is in fact a Chevy I6 motor, before Merc adds their accessories,...

The "Gotcha" is many car, 'n truck blocks don't have the front motor mount ear on the starboard forward corner,...
'n the Vintage will be important for the Head, as Chevy went to a massive 1 piece head/ manifold in later years,...

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser 165 vs. Chev 250

As Bondo mentions, it is much easier if you have the front "ear" for mounting the front mount. You can see it here - the flange with the two holes to the left of the timing gear:

I have modified blocks that don't have it.... it isn't terribly difficult, but it is easier to get the right block. Here's one I modified with a piece of scrap aluminum I had laying around. Drill and tap a few holes and add some JB Weld, and it works fine.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Mercruiser 165 vs. Chev 250

you will need to use the marine cam, and install brass freeze plugs.

and make sure the head gasket is appropriate as well.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Mercruiser 165 vs. Chev 250

Nice job Fishermark. Pretty good for scrap laying around.

 

[77GlastronMT]

Re: Mercruiser 165 vs. Chev 250

Thanks so much for all the replies. I don't think I need an engine, at least not yet but I may need a head (water in oil). Still in the beginning stages of checking it out. Thanks again.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser 165 vs. Chev 250

Thanks so much for all the replies. I don't think I need an engine, at least not yet but I may need a head (water in oil). Still in the beginning stages of checking it out. Thanks again.

As you check it out, the first place to look is the riser and manifold. FAR more likely than a bad head.

 

[77GlastronMT]

Re: Mercruiser 165 vs. Chev 250

As you check it out, the first place to look is the riser and manifold. FAR more likely than a bad head.

Thanks!!