Chrysler 318 with Merc outdrive????

[Glassparman]

OK, I have a Mercruiser 165 . . . yes, the old straight 6 job. It came out of a 1977 26' Fiberform. I was given a freshly rebuilt Chrysler 318 Marine Motor, V8.

Is it possible to mate the 318 to the Mercruiser outdrive? Can the outdrive handle the V8? I would really like to do this conversion and need help from someone experienced in this area.

thanks.

Michael

 

[Don S]

Re: Chrysler 318 with Merc outdrive????

Merc never used the Chrysler. No bellhousing (rear motor mounts are in the bellhousing)
No coupler (the thing that drives the outdrive)
Exhaust system will have to be custom.

Sure you can do it, but it's going to be a lot of money and special 1off parts manufactured just for you.

 

[Glassparman]

Re: Chrysler 318 with Merc outdrive????

Thanks for your expert advice Don. I guess I don't need to use the Chrysler, I just thought it might be a worthwhile exchange. The boat the Mercruiser came out of was a twin 165hp non-counter rotating and the engines have about 200 hrs and seem real clean. I'm using one of them for my '62 Glasspar Ventura which is a 21ft.

I guess that means I should just go with the in-line 6 and be happy. The 6 should be good enough for my project.

Michael

 

[180shabah]

Re: Chrysler 318 with Merc outdrive????

I guess that means I should just go with the in-line 6 and be happy

Good call.

 

[Glassparman]

Re: Chrysler 318 outdrive????

Re: Chrysler 318 outdrive????

Man, I feel like a rabbit hopping around all the options for my boat.

The 165hp Mercruisers are out of the question because both of them are shot. The motors had water in them and the connecting rods are seized in the pistons and the cranks are pitted. Just not worth the trouble.

So now I'm back to looking at these Chrysler 318's that I have. I believe they came from a full inboard. One is a good running pull and the other is a fresh rebuild. They were donated to my cause.

So my question is this: I have seen posts about Chrysler 318's with Volvo and Dana outdrives. My engines do not have any sort of bellhousing. Is there someway to use these with a specific type of outdrive or were these blocks cast specific for a full inboard application with a fluiddrive??

I really need something to put in this 21' boat I'm restoring but I'm on a budget . . . that's why I'm trying every route I can with what I have.

thanks for any information you can provide.

Michael

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chrysler 318 outdrive????

Re: Chrysler 318 outdrive????

Ayuh,... Chrysler Marine has been Out of the Marine business for Well over 30 years...
You'll still do Better finding another I6 for your project...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Chrysler 318 with Merc outdrive????

When I had my 1966 Inline 6 powered boat, I went over to the local truck wrecking place http://www.waltandverns.com/company.php

I found no less than 13 230/250/292 inline 6 cyl engines on their shelves. While Merc hasn't used them in years, they are still one of the better engines ever used in a boat!

I also see them in craigslist and other online and "paper" for sale forums sometimes for free.

If it were me, I would scrounge another gm 6 banger!


Cheers,


Rick

 

[Glassparman]

Re: Chrysler 318 with Merc outdrive????

Rick, someone told me on this forum that the Mercruiser I6 was not the same. They said the motor mounts were different and the Mercruiser was also an industrial engine.

Have you used one from a truck? If so, can I safely grab a 292? Do you know what year truck it would be in?

Michael

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chrysler 318 with Merc outdrive????

They said the motor mounts were different and the Mercruiser was also an industrial engine.

Ayuh,... You have to shop Carefully,.... Some blocks have those 2 little holes, 'n some Don't...

On the forward starboard corner of the block, the marine blocks have an extra iron Bump, with 2 holes in it..

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Chrysler 318 with Merc outdrive????

some of the truck 250 cid motors had the extra holes on the stbd side for the front mount.
just gotta look at yours then look at what your gonna buy.
lots of those old 250 motors floating about just make sure you get the one with the two extra holes up front and a non intragal head exaust setup.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Chrysler 318 with Merc outdrive????

Should be able to sell 2 318s for more than enough to cover purchasing an I6....