Differences between Boat and Car motors?

[Mr Special]

Hey Everyone,
Just wondering what the major differences are between say a 4.3L chevy car and a 4.3L chevy but built for Mercruiser motor?

Any info will be great thanks

[PRO-V]

Spark arrestor on carb intake, stainless impeller on cooling system, can't remember what else. Mine was a 1962 model.

[Surface Tension]

Electrical system components such as distributor, alternator, starter and plug wires are different. Reason being is to eliminate any spark that could ignite gas fumes.
The carb will has a spark arrester.
Intake and exhaust manifolds are different.
So no you couldn't just drop an auto engine into a boat. About all that is the same is the block and heads.

[Valv]

All the above plus usually camshaft is different, more like an RV and/or for continuous torque and power.
Boats don't accelerate/decelerate like a car, they need continuous power at constant RPMs.
Water pump is also different.
Otherwise main component of motor are same.
Many boats have car engines with boat accessories installed. It's "doable" but not preferred.

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Val Vignati

www.kvesurplus.com
[email protected]

[Mr Special]

Thanks guys,
I knew someone had to know. But just to recap and can replace the block and heads from a car motor and put all the accessories, and cam that are one the boat motor already and it should work in theory.
The thing is a 4.3 chevy car motor used or even rebuilt are alot cheaper then a motor from mercrusier.

Thanks again