Chrystler 318 V-Drives - Any big issues?

[Bubba1235]

I'm looking at a Gibson HouseBoat (42') with twin 318 V-Drive. They are in good condition from what I can tell but I've never touched one before and have no idea if they are a decent (reliable/repairable) drive system. Any one with experiance with them?

 

[Don S]

Re: Chrystler 318 V-Drives - Any big issues?

Who makes the V-drives? Chrysler is the engine. One of the more common V drives is the Borg Warner Veltet drive tranny on the vdrive.

 

[Don S]

Re: Chrystler 318 V-Drives - Any big issues?

They have been used forever. That alone has to tell you something about them. Have seen gas and diesel engines hooked to them. The biggest problem I have with V-drives is doing the shaft alignment. What a PITA. Especially with twins that are close together.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chrystler 318 V-Drives - Any big issues?

Ayuh,...

Small block Chryslers were pretty popular up to the early 70s,... Don't think they've been used since...

Marysville Marine at Marysville Mich. seems to carry a great parts selection...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chrystler 318 V-Drives - Any big issues?

Ayuh,....

If you add a Dot Com to that name,... You'll find their website, with Great Parts Lookups.....

Good Luck with it, if you decide to go with it...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chrystler 318 V-Drives - Any big issues?

Ayuh,...

I picked up a 1969 Glastron Nauti-line 34"er in pretty decent condition for $500. at auction a couple years ago....
That's how I found Marysville,... She's sportin' Twin 318s with Dana outdrives..
I rebuilt the drives right where I bought it for Water protection, for the drives,+ the hull... Then had it moved to My waterfront....
I posted about it,... Search it up...

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Chrystler 318 V-Drives - Any big issues?

That 318 is a little powerhouse and were souped up back then.

Friend had a new duster with the 318. They are sorta bullet proof.

Parts for it are still available. Weight vs hp if they still offered it would be one to consider.

Gibson houseboats are a good boat and spacious might be one for you to keep, and leave it as a summer home away from home.

Good luck Bubba with whatever you decide.

 

[Glastron_V210]

Re: Chrystler 318 V-Drives - Any big issues?

My old man had a 318 with the same setup as you I bet...Carter afb 4 barrel carb etc.

The engine was very good. When we went to diesel in the boat the engine still had life in it. We moved the top end to my dad's truck and I outperformed 351 and some 460 Ford trucks all day long (It was my first truck, what a blast).

What you need to avoid (And with the v drives you will) is the rotten, crappy, let you down every 2 years chrysler outdrive.


Chay

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Chrystler 318 V-Drives - Any big issues?

No he has velvet drive, when i was a kid on lake George boats had them then.

Good solid drive. And really for a boat that stays in the water maybe better then a merc, or volvo drive cause none of the gears or anything hangs in the water, Just the prop and a little shaft.

And rudder of course.

Your actually lucky Bubba you can finish it any way you want? Cause it's gutted.

You could make a room for the kids with 2 double bunk beds and maybe 2 bathrooms, would be nice in the end i bet. I seen them with sliding pines that curve off them.

Good luck again.