mercruiser 165 power boost

[daveswaves]

Anyone had any sucess in squeezing more hp/rpm from the 6 cyl chevy 165 hp mercruiser, different carb? different cam? electronic ignition? Running on a 1975 Cal Glass cuddy (heavy) turns 4000 rpm with a 15 pitch and runs 32 mph. Engine is new but broken in approx 100Hrs.

 

[495v]

Re: mercruiser 165 power boost

Not really worth it. They say that it costs roughly $1500 for every 1mph extra output. A few things I looked into were gil headers, thru-transom exhaust, and a Land sea transom jack. The transom jack looked good but was pricey.

 

[DJ]

Re: mercruiser 165 power boost

daveswaves,<br /><br />There is not much you can do. That engine really doesn't like anything over about 4100 rpms. If you can get more torque out of it, you might be able to put on a 17" wheel and get maybe another 1-2 mph.<br /><br />The only thing I can think of to try would be a shifting prop. The best I've seen are from Land-n-Sea and it's called the Aerostar.

 

[daveswaves]

Re: mercruiser 165 power boost

Thanks Guys, thats pretty much what I figgured, there wasn't too much stuff for the 6 when we were trying to hop em up in our chevys, best i saw was a billet distributor, looked good but I dont think it revved any higher. You are sure right on about the 4100 rpm, wont budge past that. I put a hydro stabilizer on it so the hole shot is respectible and that old 6 is sure reliable. I am swinging a 15 by 15 right now with little effort, it is cupped so is just about right on. Think I will just enjoy the cruising speed and maybe add a set of trim tabs to lift the stern a tad.

 

[DJ]

Re: mercruiser 165 power boost

daveswaves,<br /><br />There you go, you got the right idea. Tabs won't hurt.