chrysler 270 swap?

[jeff akin]

I recently purchased a early 1970's 23ft with twin counterotating chrysler
270, the engines are two small six cylinders chrysler i think? they are junk most saltwater tubes are corroding from inside out and partially disassembled the hull is good and was considering repowering with bracket and two small outboards 125's. The drive unit say chrysler but look like volvos and oil in units appears good. Is it a mistake to put outboards on it or should I repower with some more recent 4 cyl or is it possible to repower with small diesels and same drive unit. If the 270 are volvos are parts readily available for them? Iam a master diesel engine tech and also ex coast guard machinery tech so i have facility and equipment for most jobs, just not familiar with volvo drive units and any advise would be appreciated thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: chrysler 270 swap?

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,...

While your drives may look like Volvos,... I'm pretty Sure they're Not... Chrysler made their own...

Chrysler also got Out of the Marine business about the time your hull was Born...
Parts are available for some, at only 1 place I've found...

I'd gut it all back to the Hull,+ Install whatever driveline you Want to use....

 

[jeff akin]

Re: chrysler 270 swap?

Thanks for post bond-o anybody have an idea on the twin 125 or 200-225 single outboard configuration. Iam not a speed demon but i would like a very economical cruise of at least 28 knots this boat has a aluminum folding tower with a fairly open design (not to much sail area). The hull is an exact clone of the formula 233c that I had from 1978 when I was 19 (just in alot better shape) I figure any of the above conbination should get me on top and i should be able to back out of power and make as economical to run as possibe and still get a plane speed of 28k. hopefully if there is a flaw in my logic someone on here will let me know before i buy anything thanks for the help guys.

 

[Bondo]

Re: chrysler 270 swap?

anybody have an idea on the twin 125 or 200-225 single outboard configuration. Iam not a speed demon but i would like a very economical cruise of at least 28 knots

Ayuh,... In my personal experince,...
I/O powered hulls do Not like being converted to Outboards....
It throws the hull balance off....
Of the 1/2 dozen I've seen,...
All were Junked, or converted back to I/Os by the end of their 1st season...

 

[jeff akin]

Re: chrysler 270 swap?

Thanks guys! the outdrives say chyrsler but the engines have volvo stamped on block ? The real issue with this boat is saftey I have two small kids and a teenager. Not to tell stories but some of the worse cases I ranyears ago either involvoed leaking I/o boats or 1980's bayliner (we had a few jokes around the station about the bayliner). The truth is any gas engine in the hull is a serious explosion hazard and I blew all the hair of my face with a 26' dusky with a 454 about a year ago. The kids and that scenario worry me as does the major exhaust or shaft bellows leak. 25 miles offshore is not good place with 3 kids and a fire or major leak. From that point of view the outboards seem like best bet. Even if I repowered with mercruiser or volvo the complete i/o setup around +-20k dollars for two small units, when I can find to small used outboard (recent) for 8500 and a used bracket for 1200. the wife allready doesnt like the money for repair with outboard the I/o would get me divorced . Is it possible to play with boat balance,fuel tank location per say or can it be corrected with good set of trim tabs, thanks for the help.