1972 merc 1400, any difference between the silver motor and black motor?

[downintime]

I have a silver motor from 72 and all other ones i have seen are the black motor. Is there much difference between the motors? I have read some articles about the silver ones being better. Any thoughts?

 

[gbrowne9]

Re: 1972 merc 1400, any difference between the silver motor and black motor?

if your motor is a 1972 it should be black with red stripes. if it has silver strips i think it is pre 1967-1966.i think 1973 and on had more cubic inches,but not by much.the tower of power is a great engine,when tuned properly and maintained they can,t be killed.i personally have had 4 of them.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: 1972 merc 1400, any difference between the silver motor and black motor?

I think maybe he's talking about the color of the block, '72-'73 is about the time when Merc changed colors. My '71 1350 had a silver block, but later models were painted black. This is also about the time when Merc changed the design of the exhaust tuner plate and the bottom of the block as well.

The newer motors with rectangular-port tuner plate had better exhaust tuning, so I'd say in that respect the newer motors are "better".

However, your '72 1400 is pretty much the same as my old 1350, it's got large intake & exhaust ports and breathes very well. Far as I know the extra HP came from the new-design tuner, and these blocks aren't interchangeable to the older mid-sections, and vice-versa you can't bolt up an older block to a mid with the rectangular-port tuner.

Note that later-model 140's aren't the same breed of cat as your '72, as they had a power-ported block & pistons & were basically a de-tuned 150.

HTH & let us know if that didn't answer your question.........ed