DO I need to repower?

[drewpster]

I am currently restoring my old tug. The plan this winter is pull the engine and trans and do some resealing. I am a professional mechanic and I have experience with gas V8s. But I am no marine guy, especially 'vintage' marine engines.
I have a 1969 Chrysler 273m according to the tag on the bellhousing. And a 71c velvet drive transmission.(1:1 gear) Both are in running order, but I have a problem with some high pitched noise coming from the transmission at idle speeds and the engine is leaking like crazy. The engine runs good with no smoke but frankly I think I want an upgrade.
First thing I want to do is correctly identify this engine. Got a good way of telling 273 from 318? Second I want to determine if I want to stick with what I have or try to find another engine. Why you ask? Because it is a 273, the boat is slow, and I want more power. It runs good but it is a vintage engine. You think I should do some upgrading? (like elec ign, better carb, dual exhaust, fuel system ect.) or simply try to get a modern injected engine and start over. Part of me wants to find a good mercruiser or something a little less 'vintage'. What do ya think?
I am also a bit limited in engine height because it is a true inboard and it is located under the midships deck. I will need exuast elbows that are low and probably a custom oil pan. You know a website where I can look at some engine configurations?
BTW the boat is a 1969 Revel Craft cruiser (probably 3k to 6k Lbs.) not sure
Oh and also I'm broke so it can't cost much

 

[Bondo]

Re: DO I need to repower?

The Problem you're going to run into is,.......

Chrylser has been out of the Marine business for over 20 years........

Updating to a Chevy means a Tranny update as well.......

 

[Don S]

Re: DO I need to repower?

Chevy 350's have been bolted to Velvet Drives for years, but you will need to find the proper bellhousing, and you would need an intake with the wedge to keep the carb level.

Oh and also I'm broke so it can't cost much

Then you are probably starting off on a poor hobby. Boats like that cause you to go broke, you can't start that way.

 

[180shabah]

Re: DO I need to repower?

Repower is going to set you back 5-15K, you will need to decide if that is in the budget, or if the boat is worth the investment.

 

[180shabah]

Re: DO I need to repower?

OK, I just got done looking at you pictures. You have a lot of work in this boat already, so I guess the question of "Is it worth it" has been answered.

Perhaps we can get some feedback from some of the chrysler guys(Cause I don't know) but would a 318 of even a 360 drop inplace of the 273?

This would keep you to the lower end of the repower cost.

 

[QC]

Re: DO I need to repower?

drewpster,

Looks great! This was roll and tip if I remember correctly?

On the engine, why wouldn't a direct drive ski boat engine work out? Should have a similar angle for the intake mount as Don mentioned. Seems like those could be had for cheap if you were prepared to rebuild yourself. Even the older carbed ones should get you a lot more than what you've got now. I guess there might be ratio issue with more power. What RPM for WOT were you getting with the old one?

 

[drewpster]

Re: DO I need to repower?

Repower is going to set you back 5-15K, you will need to decide if that is in the budget

I believe I can get this done for substantially less than what a repower done at a marine shop would cost. I have enough experience to do any rebuilding that would need to be done myself. (professional mechanic 15yrs OTR trucking companies) But I am not going to be foolish and say I can do it cheap. I expect to spend upwards of $4k+ by completion. Although I will cut cost wherever I can, without sacrificing quality.
I would love to find a complete engine and transmission that needs TLC. The only real limitation I have is overall height. The engine stringers are going to get replaced when the engine comes out. But I want to wait until I figure out if the 273 is going back in. Or if repowering is even a viable option.

 

[Bondo]

Re: DO I need to repower?

I would love to find a complete engine and transmission that needs TLC.

Ayuh,........

Start looking in back of the back lots at some Marinas,......
Talk to the old Mechanics................