Need help understanding GM Inline 6

[BryanF]

Hello, Maybe someone can help me understand this better. I'm trying to figure out 1st what i really have as engine/outdrive goes. I have a 1969 24' Formula Thunderbird. <br />Could someone explain to me the difference in inline 6's (i.e. 160,165)and sterndrive hp match ups.<br />The mercruiser sterndrive has a sticker the says 165hp. (What model it is a whole other question. ) <br />The Engine is a GM "Inline 6". There is a sticker on the valve cover that says 160hp. I believe it is a 250cid. Can a 250cid be a 160 or a 165hp? <br />Should the engine HP and sterndrive HP read the same? <br />I've heard of a 292cid Inline 6. (are these used in boats also?<br /><br />Thank you for the help<br />Bryan

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

Your engine is a 250...when ordering parts for the engine...Tell the dealer its the 160hp. When ordering parts for the outdrive..tell the dealer its the 165hp.<br /><br />I think this only happend for a couple years in the 70's.<br /><br />TMD

 

[metwrench]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

The CID is Cubic Inch Displacement, This is the actual Size of the engine Internally speaking. The size of the Cylinders, Stroke and Number of Cylinders being 6 of course. Dont confuse this with Horsepower ( Hp ) Horse power is the amount of actual Power the Engine produces, Has Nothing to do with SIZE, has everything to do with how well the engine is producing power. The " In line" term comes from the fact the Cylinders are all in line with each other, Configured. Some different Configures would be: V-6 ( Cylinders are in a V design with 3 per side ) Slant 6 * cylinders are at a Tilt when engine is Straight up) V-8, V-12, Straight 8. Most of the other configures are Automotive Use.<br /><br />Hope this helps you<br /><br />John

 

[BryanF]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

Thank you for the replies.<br />Is there a inline 6 250 that is 165hp? <br />Are there other CID for a inline 6 marine use?<br />Thank,<br />Bryan

 

[metwrench]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

Sorry Brain, I cant answer that question..I mostly do Automotive Stuff not Marine. But someone on here should know that question.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

The very first 250's that were used in boats were 160hp.<br /><br />A few years later the 165hp was adopted as the norm for the inline 6 250.<br /><br />TMD

 

[BryanF]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

Thanks guys,<br />So then chances are that this is the original 160 hp motor, being the boat is a '69, may have been rebuilt if anything!? <br />The actual year of the engine block should be stamped on the block somewhere, right!? <br /><br />Is there a newer version of the GM inline 6 (w/o points or maybe fuel injected) that could "drop in" w/ little structual mod., into the old 160's place?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bryan

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

I just finished rebuilding a '67 Mercruiser 160 and converted it to electronic ignition. I have been told that this is a great engine for marine use. Parts are available and easy to get. If the block is good I would consider rebuilding your self, it's very easy to work on.

 

[BryanF]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

Thanks FreeBeeTony,<br />When you converted your 160 ignition, was it "Marine" grade or just a Automotive electronic ignition?<br />Is there even such a thing/difference?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bryan

 

[pecothern]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

Careful...... Marine distributors have spark arrestors. They look like screen wire over any vent holes. Lots of sparking going on in the distributor. Potential for fuel vapor in engine compartment...BBOOOMMM!!!

 

[Trent]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

Conversions..........<br /><br /> web page <br /><br /> web page

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Need help understanding GM Inline 6

I used the Petronix Ignitor II conversion kit with the original distributor.