The range of outboard motors varies from small, two-horsepower four-strokes to massive supercharged V8s, and even V10s. Just like cars, the size of the engine in your boat can be proportional to its size. Similar to cars, a simply tuned Toyota 4A-GE engine, like the one found in the renowned AE86 Corolla, can provide enough power if the vessel is lightweight enough.
In Thailand, it seems that custom-built long-tail boats are becoming a trend, with Toyota’s 4A-GE being a preferred choice to propel these sleek, versatile crafts. The 4A-GE was among Japan’s earliest mass-produced dual-cam engines, powering both iconic street and racing cars. This engine featured in the final rear-wheel-drive Corolla (AE86), MR2, Celica, Formula Atlantic open-wheel cars, and rally vehicles. It remains one of the most supported performance powerplants in history, making its way into various types of transportation, including boats.
The sight of 4A-GE-powered long-tail boats has been circulating on social media platforms in Southeast Asia for quite some time. It recently caught my eye through a video showcasing two of these boats docked together in what appears to be Malaysia. Both vessels are equipped with 16-valve engines that have been finely tuned, featuring four-into-one exhaust headers and individual throttle bodies. These modifications give the 4A engine the distinctive intake sound often associated with it, although these were only standard on later 20-valve versions.
The video lacked audio of the boats in motion, prompting me to seek out the builder, leading me to discover additional examples. One particular example, found in at least one other clip, showcased a boat with a notably rough idle, hinting at significant camshaft modifications. It’s evident that these tweaked 4A-GE engines are widely utilized in boat applications, especially in Thailand where much of this footage originates.
It’s important to recognize that the Toyota “A” engine traces its roots back to the late 1970s, meaning even a finely tuned version won’t produce mind-blowing power. Typically, these engines deliver between 150 to 200 horsepower, as achieving the legendary 220 to 250 horsepower of Formula Atlantic engines requires a significantly larger budget than most of these boat enthusiasts likely possess.
Nevertheless, horsepower aside, I’d eagerly man the helm of any boat equipped with individual throttle bodies just to savor the sound of it revving at 7,000 rpm. Now that I’m fixated on 4A-GE engines, it might be time to finalize the 7A-GE stroker for my track car. Time to track down some individual throttle bodies…
Questions or tips for the author? You can reach out to them at: james@thedrive.com
