Opinions needed! ...Engine dilema.... should I "re-load"?

[62 woodie]

I want to thank everyone who responded to my earlier posts regarding water in motor oil of a Graymarine 135 v8, and velvetdrive trans rebuild.

I took heads off motor and find out they need a LOT of work (new valves,etc).. $350-400 range.
(this has nothing to do with water in oil) It wouldnt be so bad if I knew this would get the boat "on the water". Parts availability is limited and kind of expensive. Tranny still may have problems also.

Would I be better off in the long run to "update the drivetrain with a newer v8? (prefer sb chevy). The boat will be used for pleasure, and dependability is my first concern.

I have re-built many classic cars and do most of my own mechanical work. Wood boats are completely new to me. What kind of potential problems will I encounter? What to look for/ stay away from?

THANKS AGAIN!! Steve :confused:

[Badges68]

Hi,
has that engine got the gearbox as part of the sump?
some of those early gray's were combination engine/gears..
later engines had gears mounted seperately with their own oil system.
don

[62 woodie]

Don, The trans is a separate unit from the motor. It uses type A fluid.
I bought the boat a month or so ago.
When I took the boat out for the first time,it wouldnt plane with the motor running at 3500rpm. Not sure if trans is slipping?

I took the heads off last week to have them checked and found one of the head gaskets was sealed with what looks like black permatex. Hopefully that is the water in oil prob.

Im not sure if Im going to keep "chasing" problems, or if I should just quit while Im only a little behind?, and upgrade to a newer motor / trans? :confused:

[brad9798]

Well, considering that there are many sb chevy blocks already available, already marinized, etc. that can be had for $500 range (I'm talking 283 and possibly 327 blocks), and transmissions that can be had in the 200-300 range, you may be wise to 'upgrade.'

Not sure what you grey is rated, but the 283 will have 195 hp, and the 327 will have 210.

Do an internet search, or even check e-bay under 'chris craft.'

Good luck an dkeep us posted.

Brad

[ken mcclure]

Check the prop, as well. Your planing could have as much to do with the wrong size prop as it does with the transmission. And a prop should be a little cheaper.

[62 woodie]

The ol, gray is a whopping 135HP! :( I have beeen looking a little bit locally for a sb chevy setup. I just missed a late 70s 350 , but in an I/O. Would be a start? (would still need a trans etc? .....not sure if its worth starting that way?) I have til next spring to find something anyway.
As for the prop its a 12 /12 . A couple guys on a previous post thought it was pretty close .(boat is 17') If I change to a newer motor, would this prop still work?

Thanks for the help! steve