Replacing a 3.7 165 hp 4cl engine

[wooleydennis]

I have a 1987 Sunbird boat with a 3.7 165 hp 4 cylinder engine. The camshaft is shot and I found that it would be cheaper to replace the engine. I found a recently rebuilt 302-188hp mercruiser V-8 engine with an 888 outdrive for $400 with only 12 hrs of driving time on it. Does anyone know whether this engine will fit in an 87 Sunbird boat or how I can find out? Thanks!!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Replacing a 3.7 165 hp 4cl engine

That is a tough question to answer. It depends a lot on what model, what size boat you have. Your engine housing is probably long enough, but need to know if it is wide enough. You need to measure everything carefully. I would do an internet search to see if they offered a Sunbird with a V8 in the model and size you have. One thing to keep in mind is that the V8 will add about 400 pounds to the stern of your boat. Not much help, but good luck.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Replacing a 3.7 165 hp 4cl engine

So let me get this straight... you want to change an obsolete, no longer in production engine, and that has many parts NLA or really expensive to an obslete, no longer in production engine that has some NLA and/or really expensive parts?

Kind of like jumping out of the frying pan... into another frying pan.

Bad idea, BAD.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Replacing a 3.7 165 hp 4cl engine

So let me get this straight... you want to change an obsolete, no longer in production engine, and that has many parts NLA or really expensive to an obslete, no longer in production engine that has some NLA and/or really expensive parts?

Kind of like jumping out of the frying pan... into another frying pan.

Bad idea, BAD.

Ayuh,.... In a 23 year old Entry level barge at that....