Difference between OMC 175 and 190

Sbushman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
36
Hey guys. I was just wondering what is the difference between the omc 175 hp and the 190 hp? Is it possible to convert a 175 to 190? Any help would be great. Thanks
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
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50,853
one should have a 2 barrel intake and carb, one should have a 4 barrel intake and carb if I remember correctly.
 

VE8EV

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Messages
109
Those small-block Ford marine engines from the 70's were something of a strange beast. They all had basically the same heads as the 351W so the exterior dimensions were the same and all the accessories were the same for the OMC 175/190/235hp (and the equivalent models of Mercruisers and V-P's that used those engines). The OMC 175 and 190 were 302's and both had 2-barrel Holley carbs but the 190 had a different camshaft and used the same firing order as an OMC 235 which was a 351W. The 235 had a 4-barrel Holley carb. If anyone knows more about these engines, please post it.

As far as "converting" a 175 to a 190, probably the simplest way to pick up the missing HP would be to go with an aftermarket four-barrel carb and intake manifold (a manifold and carb from a 235 would bolt right on). In the real world it's hard to say whether you'd notice the difference though.
 

Sbushman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
36
Wow. Ok thanks. I want sure if it would make a difference of not. But from the sounds of it I think I'm just going to stick with the 175 and just leave it alone. Thanks for the help
 

Sbushman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
36
Yes I did. It runs good. I just wasn't sure if I should leave it as a 175 or bump it up.
 

VE8EV

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Messages
109
Keep the broken 190. Everything fits on the 175 and if you really need the extra horses upgrading it might be as simple as just swapping the camshafts and moving wires on the distributor.
 
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