Marine Vs Auto engine

chromebumpers

chromebumpers

solid fixture here in the forum
Staff member
I found an auction that has an old cigarette boat that looks to me un-repairable (at least from a logical point of view). The interesting thing about this boat, it has an old school BBC 427. There is an old tag on a wire loop around the distributor base identifying this engine as a factory warranty replacement and this motor is for marine use only. My question: what's the difference (marine V auto) and could this motor swap places where a BBC went before in a car (meaning bolting right in using standard off the shelf parts)? Also, it appears, although I could be wrong but the cast iron exhaust manifolds look identical to each other however flipped around left to right so the motor faces aft, I was just wondering if they can be flipped back again for conventional use.

I could likely get this heap cheap, keeping all the good parts and scraping the remains. I really would like an old school 427 for future transplantation to a car or pick-up truck (68 to 72).
 
Ive purchased several over the decades, its a crap shoot, most of the engines are really low mileage BUT if used in a salt water environment the internal coolant passages can be extensively rust damaged. but generally youll find the engines are in decent shape and can easily be rebuilt.
BE aware that on dual engine boats that one engine is frequently REVERSE ROTATION, these are easily identified as theres no timing chain, its replaced with two direct drive gears, the engines can easily be converted back by replacing the distributor, oil pump, and cam, timing set , and water pump, as these parts are generally well worn,or in some cases incompatible for various reasons, and its a very good idea to have the crank journals polished and new rings and bearings used due to the change in rotation.
Ive picked up several marine cores (454 bbc) FOR $300 each over the years.
In a normal "regular rotation" car engine, the camshaft and the crankshaft spin the same direction--both turn clockwise viewed from the front.

A two-gear cam drive spins the camshaft the opposite direction from the cranks rotation,. So a regular rotation engine would have the crank spinning clockwise and the cam spinning clockwise just like normal, and on a reverse rotation engine the cam spinning counter-clockwise because it turns backwards with a two-gear cam drive system.

But , think about it a bit, on a reverse-rotation engine , that has the crank spinning counter clockwise, and with a two-gear cam drive--the cam spins clockwise. Just like a "normal" engine. No special gears needed on the back of the cam or on the distributor, because the cam is turning opposite the crank--but the crank is running backwards.

RELATED INFO
viewtopic.php?f=51&t=2300
 
Thanks Grumpy, I looked at several searches before asking and didn't find anything as informative. Unfortunately I don't have the time and your expertise to know if this would be a good move so I'll just chicken out on this one.
 
obviously the PRICE and condition have a huge effect on the engines VALUE,
Id buy most of those engines I see for about $300-too no more than $400 each, buying one under that price range almost guarantees youll get enough useable parts to off set any potential problems you find, making it a safe bet if you do a few minimal checks , Id suggest pulling a valve cover, all the spark plugs and turning the engine over with a breaker bar, prior to purchase, and draining the oil to look for indications of water in the engine, if you don,t find any water in the oil ID grab it in a heart beat! if its priced reasonable (UNDER $400 if possible!)
 
The auction company connected a battery and it does turn over. The company tells me there is little interest in that boat so far because of the size, but they had to take the consignment of that and other monster items to clean out everything for the real estate sale next. I did see a mold infested pamphlet outlining the boat and it's attributes - 1968 GM427, 500 HP/585 Ft. Lbs., 94 Octane. It has a dual flush out with 2 speed reverse pumps. holding tanks have 16 changeable anodes. The clock shows 215 hours but the engine looks clean. The oil smells ok, not fresh but not gummy/sticky either. The last slip sticker is dated 6/72 and Pensacola License expired on 12-31-73. There's a Navel flag stowed under each seat and 4 flare kits. The radio is the largest one I ever saw, it even has an international frequency dial. Apparently the property owner was featured on the History channel show "American Pickers." he owned a salvage transport business and had some kind of "In" with unclaimed freight storage. The auction co. says they don't expect any bids on this so a lone bid takes it. Two hrs. from now it'll be on the block and nobody has climbed the ladder yet. It will cost more to transport and store than it's worth.
 
There is a market for Vintage Boat parts Rich.
I know Fleabay is Ficked up today.
Trick is put your contact information in description.
Even spell it backwards.
They are not that smart luberals in charge.
You win still.

Awesome 502's, 572, & 632's BBC stuck in bosts hidden from view.
The 427 may be a good deal. Even after transport costs.
 
Auction is now closed. Many items didn't sell and the boat was one of them. Now they're taking bids from scrapers to get rid of the boat and other items. At the end of the day I just didn't have the balls to deal with transporting a 40 ft boat that doesn't come with a trailer. I really don't want to play with removing a boat engine by myself and I would need a crane to do the job. Then I have to hope there's some value for the hull so someone can take it. I did manage to get a heavy duty 3X5 ft steel work table I can use to weld on (most likely over 400 lbs,) for $75, A fire cabinet for my paints and chemicals 4'X6'X18" - $135.
 
A Milwakee 18Vdc Cordless Sawzall & Milwakee Cordleds circular sawR Rich.
Cut the Fibergall Hull apart.
Get to that 427 ci BBC in 15-30 minutes.
Leave rest of boat.
Maybe US Navy grade Shortwave Radio in that boat.
Best ever made.

BR
 
87vette81big said:
A Milwakee 18Vdc Cordless Sawzall & Milwakee Cordleds circular sawR Rich.
Cut the Fibergall Hull apart.
Get to that 427 ci BBC in 15-30 minutes.
Leave rest of boat.
Click to expand...

I never thought of doing that - good idea! But you cannot leave trash behind so I still would have a boat load of a mess to haul out.

87vette81big said:
Maybe US Navy grade Shortwave Radio in that boat.
Best ever made.
BR
Click to expand...

I thought they are illegal to have in private hands? don't know, I'm not a HAM radio operator.
 
Now I know I'm going back. I just found out, all be it late by 6 hours, the transfer/trans case is a racing type, many parts are billet Aluminum or Magnesium and very expensive. When calling around this morning I left a message at a speed shop in AZ, the guy just called back and said he'll pay $20 to $25K for trans/prop drive and all the brackets, wire harness/cables and mounts. These are times when I wish I had somebody working for me. I already figured out I could support a full-time tech with professional wages and health care benefits for what I always get my hands on - I did that for 3 straight years '03 to '07 until he started taking advantage of me.
 
chromebumpers said:
Now I know I'm going back. I just found out, all be it late by 6 hours, the transfer/trans case is a racing type, many parts are billet Aluminum or Magnesium and very expensive. When calling around this morning I left a message at a speed shop in AZ, the guy just called back and said he'll pay $20 to $25K for trans/prop drive and all the brackets, wire harness/cables and mounts. These are times when I wish I had somebody working for me. I already figured out I could support a full-time tech with professional wages and health care benefits for what I always get my hands on - I did that for 3 straight years '03 to '07 until he started taking advantage of me.
Click to expand...

I am a real ASE Certified Master Mechanic Rich,
I know much more than just Corvettes.
In case you have noticed.
Also have an AAS in Electronics 1990.
Health Insurance would make me Happy.
Wife & kids covered by her work.
I have to do without.
Too expensive to add me to her insurance.
Bama care going to screw me too.

Anyhow......bitching some....

Yes, hidden treasures in big boats.
Cigarettes boats.
Around my area. Few have Twin Blown 11-71 GMC Dyers 632ci BBC's pushing 950 HP each.
Awesome fast on the water.
Send you pics of kids later.
Not going to post here.

Not illegal to own Vintage Ham Radio equipment.
I own & my pops too.
Screw obama.

BR
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top