Is one mercruiser better than another?

L

low277

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
117
I am considering buying a used boat with a mercruiser to remove for a boat that I currently have. I would be looking at boats from the late 1970s through the 1980s based on price, probably a 4 cylinder. The intended use would be in a aluminum fishing boat that is used in fresh water only.

Is there a advantage to staying new enough to have a Alpha one or are the pre-alphas just as good?

Is the 3.0 significantly better than a 2.5 liter engine?


Thanks
 
achris

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Is one mercruiser better than another?

An answer and a question...

The answer: The 3 litre has significantly more torque, and will perform better than the 2.5 litre...

The question: Which 'pre-alpha'? There are no less than 16 drives that were produced before the Alpha One.... Or are you referring specifically to the MC-1, R and MR series?

Chris........
(To find out what I'm talking about with 'pre-Alpha', read this -> http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...ve-needs-help-go-down-597987.html#post4160821)
 
L

low277

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
117
Re: Is one mercruiser better than another?

Thanks for the response, I know little about mercruisers as I have always had outboards.
Maybe a better question is when did the 3.0 engine replace the 2.5 engine?

I assume that a mid to late 1980s unit with a 3.0 engine and a Apha one would be preferred over a older model?

I have also seen mercruisers that are rated 120, 135 and 140 hp? I do not know if the different hp where available with the 3.0 engine, or does the 3.0 engine always come rated at 140?
 
Last edited:
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,524
Re: Is one mercruiser better than another?

low277 said:
Thanks for the response, I know little about mercruisers as I have always had outboards.
Maybe a better question is when did the 3.0 engine replace the 2.5 engine?

I assume that a mid to late 1980s unit with a 3.0 engine and a Apha one would be preferred over a older model?

I have also seen mercruisers that are rated 120, 135 and 140 hp? I do not know if the different hp where available with the 3.0 engine, or does the 3.0 engine always come rated at 140?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... The 3.0l has been 'round since the 60s, 'n has been rated up to 140 hp, 'n as low as 130 hp,...

The 2.5l was 'round durin', I believe the early 80s,...
It's been rated from 100 hp, to 120 hp,...

The 2.5l, 'n the 3.0l are 'bout like the 305/ 5.0l motors, 'n the 350/ 5.7l motors,...

Big, 'n little Sisters,... Many parts interchange, 'n some Don't,...

If ya stick with the MC-1/ R/ MR/ Alpha 1s, ya can't go Too wrong,...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top