New to Forum, New to me 1971 Larson Volare

[Dale47]

I recently purchased a Larson Volare 18 ft that hasn't run in years. I'm wondering about the engine. Previous owner had purchased the boat in 1997 according to the title. He said the engine was Chevy 327. Would this be the original motor? I think they stopped making the 327 about 1969. Thinking it may be a 305 or 350. Does anyone have any insight on this?

The hull is in good shape for 40 years. It has it's dings dents etc. Transom and stringers and floor are solid. The OMC out drive has been rebuilt. Then the boat was parked about 6 years ago. I got the engine running and it surprisingly runs really smooth and idles perfectly. The steering cable is junk, the out drive boot is cracked and the exhaust connectors from the manifold to the snail are rusted through. All replaceable for a price.

So the restoration has begun. So far the only thing that hasn't worked is the horn! The marine radio, lights, bilge, blower, stereo, trailer winch etc all work! Made me very happy as she looked really rough parked in a field. Though I got her nearly for free! The I/O is a new one for me. Most of my boating time has been in flat bottom speed boats with big blocks and V drives or outboards.

I told my spouse I was "Just Lookin" at the boat. She reminded me of that as I towed it home the same day. So it's been named "Just Lookin".

 

[Dale47]

Re: New to Forum, New to me 1971 Larson Volare

I got ambitious about the motor today and crawled around as best I could to locate all the cast and stamped numbers.. I located several sites to decode the block and manifold numbers and answered my own question. The engine is a 1968 Chevy 327 made in Norwood Ohio. It is the HP model with 350 horsepower and a 2 bolt main. That explains the strong loping at idle. With that identified I can at least order up the correct parts that may be needed.
I've decided to light sand the gelcoat and polish it out for now. There are some chips etc that will need to be dealt with in the future.

I'm debating reinstalling a new set of Osco exhausts that were stock, or switching to Glenwood aluminum exhausts that I ran in my other boats. Any thoughts on the pros and cons of going to aluminum? My other boats were west coast and mostly fresh water.