Have you seen this? Where do I get a racing lower unit like that? Is it possible?

[tater76]

So I found this youtube vid of an annual meetup of vintage race boats. There seems to be quite a few Chryslers present, (watch past the first minute or two) that are super hot. I know they are sweet to watch, but I wonder how hard/expensive it would be to replicate? The lower unit's are tiny, ultra thin, short shaft jobs. Is this all custom work, or were they mass produced? Any used ones still around? Any special intakes, or exhaust horns? Ignition upgrades?

Here is the link 5th Annual Dicksmarine Regatta 2010 part 2 .wmv - YouTube

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Have you seen this? Where do I get a racing lower unit like that? Is it possible

Last time I saw a racing unit for a Chrysler, It was a couple of years ago on ebay. It included racing stacks for the 135. It sold for over 1600 bucks. At the time I thought it was very expensive but now I could kick myself for not bidding.

These units are overdrive and use a prop around 10 inch diameter. They were available through Chrysler when the company was actively sponsoring racing. Yes, old school engineered Chryslers could be made to go fast. Replicating the racing unit would be difficult and expensive. Even though they do not have neutral or reverse, they are as complex as a regular lower unit.

I believe Clymers has an exploded diagram of one.

Ignition upgrade has already been done: Take a Mercury ignition from a late model Force and swap it on

 

[tater76]

Re: Have you seen this? Where do I get a racing lower unit like that? Is it possible

Awesome! Well... I already swapped the 89 Force ignition to my 73 75hp powerhead so I hope that's the new style you mentioned. It runs excellent now without any other mods (it's the daily driver). Although, I just picked up a fresh Chrysler 75 or 76? 85hp powerhead, I drilled and tapped for the newer style ignition. However, I was hoping to hear your 85hp project went well enough so my 85 would get the same treatment while its disassembled. Then I can look into the lower unit.

Only a ten inch prop? Is that so it can wind up to full rpm's?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Have you seen this? Where do I get a racing lower unit like that? Is it possible

It's a 10in by probably a 24/26 pitch. Like he said no neutral or reverse.
Back in the early 80's the 85hp Force force set a record for speed and I think it's still stands (I think (gettin old)it was 80mph)
I had the story for years in my stuff and now it's SOMEWHERE??