TOPIC: Turbo straight 6 Merc.

Interesting, anyone know anything about them?

fingerlakes.craigslist.org/boa/5803323868.html

There was an aftermarket kit made in the 70s. The name M&W sticks in my mind. I know they also made a kit for the 140 4 cylinder, not sure about the 120 4 cyl.

My understanding was they worked BUT you need to go up in prop pitch with the increase in power & that hurt the hole shot because the turbo wasn't up to power at lower RPM while trying to "climb out of the hole". That is however hearsay as I never saw one in operation.

Friends had a Turbo 140 4 cylinder in the late 70's in a sidewinder. It was bought from someone who had a turbocharging installation company so not sure what was on it. The motor box was custom made and was a bit higher...looked interesting since that boat was so low with that low wrap around windshield. I drove it...it would hit 65mph...I was shocked because we had a 150 in-line 6 on an 18 checkmate open bow that went about 49. Their 16 footer was much smaller, so assume lighter. I have no idea how much HP was boosted over stock 140. We skied 2 teenagers behind it, but as you said, it did not accelerate hard as it took time to wind out the right prop for top end. Surprised a lot of people (end metalflake Purple also got the looks!)

That boat looks longer than 16'. That turbo setup is very cool and I bet worth a lot more than $800 in itself.

That turbo motor is just begging to be transplanted into a performance hull!