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Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

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jdlines
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Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Fri Jul 01, 2016 12:46 pm

Need advice/suggestions on recovering a 1957 Chris Craft Clipper. Original K engines don't have enough get up and go for me. Would a pair of 283s or 327s work? I believe the original motors have 1:1 transmissions - I would imagine I would need to also find replacement V8s with 1:1 as well?

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drrot
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by drrot » Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:08 pm

If it were me I'd go with a pair of flywheel forward 283's with the manual reverse gears. If the budget allowed I'd get a pair of brand new 350's and swap them out. (about $1500 each).
And yes, buy complete engines when you get them.
Older large marinas usually have a line of cruisers in the back that were abandoned. Good place to shop.
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

jdlines
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Fri Jul 01, 2016 7:54 pm

Please tell me where I can find new 350s for $1500! I usually see them for 3-5K new...

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drrot
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by drrot » Sat Jul 02, 2016 8:58 am

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

jdlines
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Joined: Wed May 04, 2016 10:25 am
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Sat Jul 02, 2016 9:11 am

Ok that's a start but these are not marine engines. What else do I need and where to find compatible components such as exhaust manifolds for marine, etc?

Sorry for the newbie questions but I'm new to this world so learning a lot!

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drrot
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by drrot » Sat Jul 02, 2016 9:42 am

You need to find a pair of flywheel forward 283s as donors. Instead of rebuilding the 283s swap in the 350s. Takes some doing but possible.
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

jdlines
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Sat Jul 02, 2016 11:29 pm

What parts off of the 283's would I need? I found a pair of 283s but there were 2:1 ratio and not 1:1. What would it take to make them a 1:1?

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drrot
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by drrot » Sun Jul 03, 2016 8:32 am

It would take 1-1 gears. You can't just remove the reduction. Do they have exhaust risers? you probably don't have the clearance. Being 2-1 they should be cheap. Could be a good start. What state are you in?
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

davidvn
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by davidvn » Sun Jul 03, 2016 3:53 pm

A word of caution about using a longblock intended for automotive use for marine use.

1. The crankshaft would have to be removed the engine, rifle drilled and polished so that you can properly lubricate the transmission.
2. The camshaft is incorrect for the power curve needed for a marine engine. So for standard rotation, you would need to install marine camshaft.
3. Foor standard rotation you not only need to change the camshaft but also go to a double row timing gear set.
4. For the opposite rotation engine you need to replace the standard rotation camshaft with an opposite rotation camshaft and replace the timing chain with a reverse rotation timing gear set.
5. On the opposite rotation engine you need to remove the pistons and reverse them to get the thrust side of the pistons on the proper side of the cylinder block.
6. An automotive engine runs a tighter tolerance in the cylinders. You would have to hone an additional .002-.003 out of the block so you do not gall the pistons.
7. You will have to find some way of getting water into the front of the heads because the automotive heads do not have the same space that the marine heads have to get proper water flow.
8. The oil pump for the automotive engine cannot be used. The casting size is too large to take the 3/8 pipe thread for the oil pick-up for the marine engine.
9. You will have to modify the PCV mechanism because the automotive engine does not have the same crankcase breathing system as the marine engine.
10. And last but not least, you will need to change all of the freeze out plugs to brass
Last edited by davidvn on Sun Jul 03, 2016 7:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.

jdlines
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Sun Jul 03, 2016 4:34 pm

Yes they have exhaust risers but not sure on the clearance. I'll measure it. I'm located in the metro Detroit area.

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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Sun Jul 10, 2016 7:40 am

Anyone have any recommendations for boat yards in the Midwest where I have the best chance to find some 283's or 350's?

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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Sun Jul 10, 2016 8:43 am

So I measured and it looks like I got 20" from top to bottom. Would that be enough to fit 350s?

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drrot
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by drrot » Sun Jul 10, 2016 10:03 am

283 specs2.jpg
283 specs1.jpg
These are a 283F. Similar.
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

jdlines
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed May 04, 2016 10:25 am
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Mon Jul 11, 2016 7:34 am

Any recommendations on boat yards to snoop around in?

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drrot
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by drrot » Mon Jul 11, 2016 4:01 pm

Did you try Robert Henkel?
I bought stuff on EBAY from Checker Marine service in LaSalle, MI. Card says Parting over 400 boats.
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

jdlines
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed May 04, 2016 10:25 am
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Mon Jul 11, 2016 8:05 pm

I have not but I will contact both.

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quitchabitchin
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by quitchabitchin » Mon Jul 11, 2016 8:30 pm

Try Earl at Marine Services in Harrison Twp. Michigan. He has 2 buildings and 7 trailers full of parts. He specializes in old Chris Craft parts.
FLASH1969 Chris Craft Cavalier Ski-230 HP 327Q

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jdlines
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Sun Jul 17, 2016 4:22 pm

Would a pair of 327Fs fit? If so, what is a fair price for the pair?

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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper

Post by jdlines » Sun Jul 24, 2016 11:34 am

I found a pair of 283s but it appears that they have 2:1 reduction. Can anyone confirm? Model of trans are RB20-0.
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