Is this 105hp worth it?

[freshwaterotter]

I was offered a 67 Chrysler 105 for $100
One of the cylinders is down to 30psi, all others around 100.
It has spark and looks like a used Chrysler, nothing to fancy.
I do all my own work but mainly on smaller engines.
Has anybody rebuilt a 105 and were you pulling your hair out, wishing you would have kept your $100 or did things go smoothly?
Also would you recomend doing a full rebuild or just the rings?
What would it roughly cost?

This price dose sound cheap but at least he was straight up about the motor needing to be rebuilt. I just don't want to start a project this big and realize it was never worth it.

Would be intresting to here some stories about amazing deals that turn out to be anchors or re-born outboards.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Is this 105hp worth it?

If you enjoy rebuilding, it is simple, and except for the flywheel puller which you can make yourself, only hand tools are needed. I do 1 or 2 a year.

If the lower unit is good--ie. not cracked and no broken teeth on the gears--you have your hundred plus some just in that.

If one cylinder is down to 30, it is probably more than just rings. Most likely cylinder is scored. BUT --It could be simple like a bad head gasket and that only costs 30 bucks. One overbore around here costs 60-65 bucks and the piston is a little more than 100. You have the option of boring one cylinder or all four.

Basically it is a big small engine so if you have rebuilt small outboards or dirt bikes, it will take about 5 hours to disassemble and another five to reassemble. Buy a Clymers manual before you start though. Only major hair puller you may encounter is corroded parts and bolts. Corrosion pretty much welds bolts into the aluminum and a few may twist off on you during disassembly. Expect this problem for sure if the engine was used in salt water. You will only know if it's worth rebuilding when you take it apart--If too many bolts twist off or other parts break, then you are going to start putting in a lot of time and labor.

Also, expect to replace the water pump impeller. They get hard and take a set with age.

Have fun! BTW: that 105 was rated at the crank and really only put out about 90HP.

Then, while you are having fun, if you want to go whole hog, port the bypass side. Do not touch the exhaust since the port openings are about 120 degrees and the crankpins are 90 degrees apart for a 30 degree overlap in a common exhaust chest. Porting increases exhaust blow back into the cylinders unless the engine is set up for racing and no backpressure with cutouts or stacks.

Then find two manifolds from a 140 and put on the 140 carbs--much bigger venturis. Then, she will put out an honest 120-125 HP.

If you decide you want to go that route, Contact me at TonyonMemory@yahoo.com. Also, go over to The Chrysler Crew and join--Gobs of info there and a Thurs nite chat at 9 pm EST.---Franz and Dave forgot more than I'll ever know.

So if you have some free cash and enjoy rebuilding -- Yeah-- it's worth it. But with this proviso: Don't expect to have a 1000 dollar engine. at that age, you would be lucky to get your parts cost out of it.