Mercruiser 160 vs Chevy 4.1L 250 CID

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kirklinbing

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We are looking at either rebuilding or replacing a Mercruiser 160. To my knowledge Mercruiser used a Chevy 4.1L 250 CID platform. My question is, All of the Chevy 250s appear to have no more than 130 HP, what has Mercruiser done to this engine to get 160 HP.
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: Mercruiser 160 vs Chevy 4.1L 250 CID

All of the Chevy 250s appear to have no more than 130 HP
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Not sure what you are reading, but, in 68 and 69 the 160 was rated at 160hp, in 1970 the 165 came out and had 165 hp. The only thing that changed was was the hp rating. The engines were the same. The 4 cylinder 181 cu. in. engine was 140 hp.
 
Fishermark

Fishermark

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Re: Mercruiser 160 vs Chevy 4.1L 250 CID

kirklinbing said:
We are looking at either rebuilding or replacing a Mercruiser 160.
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Welcome aboard! :)

I can't answer your question about HP - Don gave the Mercruiser numbers - are you talking about the automotive numbers? I know that during that time, the various manufacturers - both car and boat - did some "creative" marketing of the HP numbers. It seems they have standardized that a little better today.

Having said that - it is a great engine and easy to rebuild. Good luck with what you decide.

One more note - if you are looking for an automotive / truck block to rebuild, you will want to find one that has the extra mounting boss on the front, otherwise you will be doing some creative mounting for the front mount.
 
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