The elusive 224/3.7 MerCruiser banger

[tjm73]

MerCruiser 224 cid/3.7L I4
Bore: 4.36
Stroke: 3.75
Aluminum block
Big block Ford head
SB Chevy transmission compatible bellhousing pattern
170-190hp stock

I have searched high and low and found some information (most of it here on the HAMB), but finding pictures, that don't suck, of these engines is almost as hard as finding the doo-doo bird.

If you have pictures (especially if in a car), or know where to find them, please post them here.

[35ratbstr]

I have a Pontiac super duty produced by KRP in Kansas. It has a Brodix 10X aluminum Ford head , shaft mount rockers, dry sump, chevy bolt pattern. It has a single 4 brl intake now and the plan was to install a set of weber side draft or a injection unit and run it in a 27 t. i'll have too get a picture and post it. thw KRP block could be orderd to fit a Ford, Dodge, Pontiac , or chevy v8 head. they ran them in midgets and ARCA truck series.

[Phil1934]

in Model Y frame with Chevy 6 engine mount and V8 frame mount and hose number to get to rear mounted intake inlet

[modifieddriver]

Originally Posted by tjm73

I have searched high and low and found some information (most of it here on the HAMB), but finding pictures, that don't suck, of these engines is almost as hard as finding the do-do bird.

If you have pictures (especially if in a car), or know where to find them, please post them here.

One of my buds has 2 of these engines stored under a work bench. They're partially disassembled.

I have to go see him today, I'll try to remember to take a few pics for ya. These are BIG inch 4 cylinders.

[Tman]

There is a 27 roadster with 29 fenders here in town with a hot lil Mercruiser in it. Very cool car.

[banjorear]

Do you have any boat yards/dealers around you? If so, you'll likely find one or two collecting dust/rust in the back lot.

[stealthcruiser]

Originally Posted by Phil1934

in Model Y frame with Chevy 6 engine mount and V8 frame mount and hose number to get to rear mounted intake inlet

PM me Phil1934.
I live in Hampton,and I know we have 'prolly crossed paths,as I know a bunch of folks in Jointsboro.

Lemme' know where you are,if you don't mind me knowing.

[modifieddriver]

Originally Posted by modifieddriver

One of my buds has 2 of these engines stored under a work bench. They're partially disassembled.

I have to go see him today, I'll try to remember to take a few pics for ya. These are BIG inch 4 cylinders.

Here's a pic of the two engines I mentioned yesterday.

Don't pay the blue cylinder head any attention.

[tjm73]

Thanks for the followup.

[tjm73]

Originally Posted by Phil1934

in Model Y frame with Chevy 6 engine mount and V8 frame mount and hose number to get to rear mounted intake inlet

I wish your pics were bigger and there were more of them.

That blower setup looks bad-ass!!

[tjm73]

I found this.....

[tjm73]

It appears that the coolant flows from the water pump to the intake to the head, or vice versa from the head to the intake to the water pump. I also see what appears to be a mechanical fuel pump on the intake side of the block.

[uglydog56]

There are lots of marine salvage yards that sell these engines. i believe they are called 170 mercruisers when you are searching. You still have to drill one hole on the bellhousing. If you push them hard you will need to short fill the block. There's a guy down in florida with one of these in a dragster that's has them pretty scienced out. google red's headers. he does lots of turbo 4 cyl ford stuff.

[uglydog56]

sorry, it's a 470 mercruiser. not a 170. it has 170hp stock.

[narducci]

It is a half of a 460 ford engine.

[Phil1934]

4 bbl version is 488, 188 HP. Also 485, 2bbl with hotter cam and 170 MR and 190 MR (redesigned gear housing). Cam lift is .481/.503 for 470, .497/.517 for 488 and .497/.536 for 485 with 1.73 rockers. I put BBC roller rockers on mine as cheaper. As to coolant flow, it is from the radiator to the rear of the intake (488 has oil cooler in intake bottom also), then to the water pump and out the front of the head to the radiator in a street application. You can use a 488 thermostat housing with a Cosworth Vega thermostat housing to make an 1-1/4" inline holder since you eliminate the water cooled exhaust. You will also see the alternator is in the dampener stock.

[tjm73]

Originally Posted by narducci

It is a half of a 460 ford engine.

Wow. You're right on top of things aren't you?

[tjm73]

Phil1034, what is the rpm range with the OEM camshaft?

[Phil1934]

I had Reed regrind mine, but I have some notes the 470 was 269/274 (216/220 @.050") on 114* centers so seems like a mild hot rod cam.

[narducci]

Now I know why I moved away from the Northeast. People spend all winter indoors smelling their own farts. I makes them irritable.