Re: Bellhouse patterns
Hi, a 16' is a little small for a V6 or V8, or Inline 6. Though you could get a 17' in 1967 with a V6, it was a smaller V6. The flywheel housing used in the '77 and up Mercruisers is different then what's used on the '76.
The inline 6 will bolt up but is a little longer and you may need to change the engine cover among other things plus you have some added weight.
The 3.0L engines are available and plentiful I would recommend that over going with a larger engine but it can be done.
I rebuilt a 120, and basically hot rodded it a couple years ago, and they are not much different than the 140hp/135hp/3.0L's.
I'm curious to what parts you are having problems finding. I know marina's/boat service places that will tell customers that they can't get certain parts and to replace the engine just because they either don't know how to work on them or want to bother with customers that can't afford replacing an older engine.
I'm for keeping and rebuilding/repairing engines to a point.
the riser on a 120 and a 165 is not the same, the 120 is a little smaller the riser on a 140 (of certain types/years ) is the same though.
I just threw away an early 120 thermostat housing too..
