diesel mercruiser swap?

[woodrat]

Anybody out there have any experience swapping a diesel motor of some kind to a mercruiser drive? I am thinking of something like a mercedes 4 or 5 cylinder engine to replace a 4 or 6 cylinder chevy engine. I've heard that it can be done, and will get better fuel economy, but I want to hear from someone who actually might have done it, or seen a finished example.

On a related note, I can't seem to find a hp/torque curve for my chevy 4 cylinder ANYWHERE. My brother had bascially the same engine in a couple of cars over the years and said that they were rated at far less than 120 HP. Is the 120HP rating bull? Where can I find the chart?

Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: diesel mercruiser swap?

Here are some things you need to make fit.
1. Coupler to attach on your engines crankshaft and also fit on a mercruiser drive input shaft.
2. Flywheel housing that actually has the motor mounts on it to sit on a Mercruiser inner transom shield.
3. Exhaust. How are you going to get the exhaust manifold cooled with water and out the back of the boat?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: diesel mercruiser swap?

I know a local guy here who installed a Sadie Benz 300 turbo diesel engine in a Wellcraft Step-V 20 ft. I don't know if he still has it but I can check. Maybe even find out some details. I do know it had an IL 6 GM base Mercruiser in it origionally. He also had to change the drive because he couldn't get enough prop on the origional drive without spending big bucks for a high performance propeller. I cant remember if he used a 1.50 or a 1.32:1 drive ratio.