Mercruiser 181s - Inliners International Bulletin Board

I'd like to talk to anyone who's experimented with Mercruiser/GM 181ci engines for automotive use.

I have a merc 181 in a 1960 CJ5. I fabbed the intake and headers since I couldn't find automotive parts. It runs like a champ. Lots of torque and power for a 2700 lb jeep.

JB

I bought this engine to replace a 153 block that was busted. The boat dealer, who sold it to me, thought it was a 153. It has a 4" Bore and a 3.60" stroke. 153s have a 3.875" bore and a 3.25' stroke. It had spun a rod bearing, on number 4 cylinder. I did not get the rods, but got the crank. I think .020 or .030 will clean up the crank journal with the spun bearing.

Did your 181 head have the angled ports?

I've heard they did not use the same head as the 153. I'm going to use the head from my 153, though. I had larger valves installed, hard seats and some porting.

I also made a header and intake for my engine. I'm running two Carter/Webber carbs. Got to re-do the header, though. I've got the wrong cylinders pared up, according to Tom Langdon.

Sure would lke to hear more about your Jeep and maybe a photo. Write me direct at drh@digital-link.net if you like.

Thanx, Dennis

Quote:

Originally posted by Dennis:

Did your 181 head have the angled ports?

Dennis, interesting story. In 1962 I got a almost new 153 Chevy 4 and put it in my '61 CJ5 daily driver using a stock V8 adapter which worked great. The 181 wasn't available then. I kept the stock 3 speed and Studebaker overdrive. It worked so great vs. the Willys F head engine, they had to move me up a class with the 6 cyl. Jeeps, and I still beat everyone in the obstacle course.

Jeff Jahns(piston co.) built up an engine that really put out the horsepower and beat everyone in the drags and hillclimb.

Have fun.

Sure would lke to hear more about your Jeep and maybe a photo. Write me direct at drh@digital-link.net if you like.

Thanx, Dennis[/B]

------------------

Ed,

Did you use a vibration damper on your 181? I don't have one, but heard that a 230/250 damper would work.

Dennis, I just left everything stock. I didn't know much about engines then, I was 19 years old.

Quote:

Originally posted by Dennis:
Ed,

Did you use a vibration damper on your 181? I don't have one, but heard that a 230/250 damper would work.

------------------

Can you guys show a pic of the intakes you've made?Maybe explain what you've done,made a new one or altered the original.
You can email me a pic if its easier.I just picked up a hot lil 4 banger,but it didn't come with a hot intake.
Did any company ever make an intake for these beside Ansens cross-flow setup?.....Shiny