Re: 19" Barrelback Project
QUOTE]Originally posted by Dunfer:<br /> have heard you can convert an auto engine into marine use. . [/quote]<br /><br /><br />That's basically true. But a truck engine is more like what they start with. It'll have stronger pistons, usually a stronger crankshaft, a manuel transmission flywheel, and generally have a bit higher horsepower/torque rating than its car counterpart. <br /><br />Rather than buying all the different manifolds and other components- you'd probably be better off scrounging a powerplant out of a wrecked or used boat with all them goodies already on it, including the marine gearbox, prop shafts/adapters, engine mounts, shift linkages, and about a wheelbarrow full of other things you'll need.<br /><br />A good source if you can find one is even a old wooden motor yacht that's rotten and beyond repair. It'll probably have all or most everything you need and be re-buildable. I've seen 50's & 60s era ones in the 25-32 foot long range sell for around $500 with a V-8 or two in them that was seized, but salvagable. About the easiest way to get the engine/gearbox out of one is to hold it with a wrecker boom and cut the hull out around it with a saws-all. After cutting out part of the boat's side, then swing it out and set it in a truck.
