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Mercruiser 3.7L (470) inboard help

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Browndogbrew

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I know this engine is very polarizing (love it or hate it), so this post is directed toward the former. I have a 1980 25 foot Blackfin that I am restoring. It came with twin 470 MIEs.the camshaft on the port engine is shot and I’m looking to get a donor engine to rebuild. This is an inboard, counter rotation (right hand) engine. It is indeed a rare beast. If anyone has any leads on where I might find one it would be appreciated.
 
Agreed on the rare beast...so don't set the bar too high....

you might find something on facebook or ebay but probably not what you want.

about the only other alternative is to call one of the custom cam grinders and see if they have a blank they can grind for you...and then rebuild what you have...my guess is you don't want to go down the V-6 path...
 
makomark said:
Agreed on the rare beast...so don't set the bar too high....

you might find something on facebook or ebay but probably not what you want.

about the only other alternative is to call one of the custom cam grinders and see if they have a blank they can grind for you...and then rebuild what you have...my guess is you don't want to go down the V-6 path...
Click to expand...
Thanks Makomark. I am watching all the popular market sites (market place, eBay. Craigslist) but haven’t had any luck yet. I’m not at the point of seriously looking at alternative power plants but going to a v setup would likely be problematic because there isn’t any room for additional width. The engine bays sit midship and outboard with a walk between. If I had to go a different route I would likely look at straight 6s or sacrifice some ponies and go with a 3 L four banger. For now I’ll keep looking. I also am starting to research getting one manufactured.
 
Understand...similar to what many face when they go to refurb a 25' Bertram...

FWIW, a few years back, there was a lot of interest in those engines over on the H.A.M.B. on the jalopyjournal.com car site...may be some nuggets if you don't have anything to do on a rainy day...
 
btsracing.net

Mercruiser 470 488 3.7L 224 224ci Marine Camshaft Cam Valve Lifter Kit 8 Lifters

Cam and Lifter Kit for 3.7L 224 4 Cyl Mercruiser Marine engines. Stock Cam and Lifters. Replace oe # 4669410 From serial number #6916779, Does not fit engines that came with aluminum oil pump. Includes required Bottle of ZDDP Zinc Additive and packet of Driven Assembly Grease. Specs: Valve...
btsracing.net btsracing.net

There are a couple of used cams on ebay but always thinking u wanted new.


Delta regrinds and repairs cams with flattened lobes https://deltacam.com/services/repairs/
 
To interject, check to see if the cam is the same as the standard rotation. I have a suspicion it is as I have only seen two cams and that is a hotter grind for the 485. Yeah I know everyone is going to jump on me here but, please hear me out. If the cam is driven with a direct drive gear off the crank it reverses the direction of it. In the reverse rotation 4 cylinder engine the cam doesn't need to be different as the piston positions don't change relative to each other like a v-6 or V-8. Up down down up stays up down down up and so fourth. What effectively happens in the 470 when you gear drive the cam is only the crank rotates backwards, the cam along with the distributor and oil pump still think they are in a standard rotation engine because they are turning the same direction as they always have. I have yet to see a reverse rotation 470 in person, but check this out as it may be how it was done.
 
the RH MIE 470s are chain driven, just like the LH versions...the camshafts are no interchangeable between them...
 
Browndogbrew said:
I know this engine is very polarizing (love it or hate it), so this post is directed toward the former. I have a 1980 25 foot Blackfin that I am restoring. It came with twin 470 MIEs.the camshaft on the port engine is shot and I’m looking to get a donor engine to rebuild. This is an inboard, counter rotation (right hand) engine. It is indeed a rare beast. If anyone has any leads on where I might find one it would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Did you find you engine. If not I mat be able to help
 
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