165 cylinder head

[macojoe]

The head was most likely the thing that rotted thur, that was the case on my 165.

I replaced the head and all was fine.

so not replacing the head was a good thing!

The only difference between a car (Chevy 250) and Boat motor was, that the freeze plugs were brass so as not to rot out.
And the Boat motor had a different cam in it to give you the 165 HP, Car motor of the same only has 140 HP.

Also boat motor a Marine water pump and other small things, that won't make to much difference other then they will wear out faster.

Good Luck and welcome to the site!