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KL to 283 repower

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trebot
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KL to 283 repower

Post by trebot » Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:30 am

Any one have experience with repower from Straight 6 KL type motor to a 283 V8. Have 18' 1956 Continental (utility style). Pulled motor and sent to Engine shop for evaluation. I'm not holding out much hope it's economically realistic to repair. Crack in #4 cyl and milky oil. Previous owner Didn't winterize (Michigan).
Would like to repower with a Chris Craft (Chevy) 283 V8. Chris Craft started using the 283 in the 18 footer in '58 or' 59 I believe. Pictures show similar mount on stringers. I would like some dimensions; preferably engineering drawings. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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mfine
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Re: KL to 283 repower

Post by mfine » Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:59 am

The 283 appeared in 59 I believe. The conversion should be fairly straightforward and has been done quite often. I would suggest considering a 350 with the 283 Chris Craft accessories and look as it will be more power (even if you don’t need it) and less money than a true 283 due to parts availability and demand.

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Bilge Rat
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Re: KL to 283 repower

Post by Bilge Rat » Wed Sep 19, 2018 10:38 am

You will need to pay attention to minimum exhaust pipe size for a 283 or 350 engine if you plan on using only 1 exhaust pipe. Most likely the old KL exhaust diameter will be too small to combine both exhausts into one. You may also want to go with 2 exhaust pipes instead. You definitely will want the manual (non hydraulic) transmission to better match up to the existing shift linkage, although some modifications might be needed to the length of the linkage pipe.

This is a link to a 283 manual with some installation information about exhaust sizes, different water intakes, etc.:

www.manualslib.com/manual/806250/Chris- ... =15#manual

If you Google the CC 283, there are some engineered drawings with dimensions and transmission shaft location.
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"

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drrot
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Re: KL to 283 repower

Post by drrot » Wed Sep 19, 2018 12:24 pm

This might help.
283printa.jpg
283printb.jpg
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

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drrot
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Location: Three Lakes, WI
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Re: KL to 283 repower

Post by drrot » Thu Sep 20, 2018 6:50 am

Trebot,
Your email was rejected. For larger prints see https://www.marinersmuseum.org/library/#chris-craft
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

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