Performance between a 165 and 888 Mercruiser

[79Glastron]

I am wondering if there would be any performance difference between a Mercruiser 165 (inline 6) and a Mercruiser 888 in a 19' closed bow deep V?

The reason I ask is because my boat has a rotten transom from a leaking gimbal housing gasket, I gotta pull the engine anyway and thought about sticking in an 888.

*Pros

Newer style gimbal (165 nail hinge pins)

V8 power and sound

Add cam and four barrel, more power than stock


*Cons

Ford marine parts harder to find $$$

Uses more gas

Hull fabrication for front motor mounts

Let know if I am missing anything.
Thanks!

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Performance between a 165 and 888 Mercruiser

Why put in the Ford V-8?
If I were going through all the trouble, I'd stick in the much more reliable/easier to maintain(cost and parts availability) GM 5.7L

At the end of the day, you'll most likely get a few more MPH, a few less MPG, and a less reliable motor(from what I've heard about them).

You'll need to change the gear raitio in the drive also.

 

[500dollar744ti]

Re: Performance between a 165 and 888 Mercruiser

The reason I ask is because my boat has a rotten transom from a leaking gimbal housing gasket.

i thought it was the other way around, transom rots, then gimbal housing gasket fails? maybe it can happen both ways? i was just curious.