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Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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?
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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.
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
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
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
Please tell me where I can find new 350s for $1500! I usually see them for 3-5K new...
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400764245043?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
$1500 delivered!
$1500 delivered!
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
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
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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!
Sorry for the newbie questions but I'm new to this world so learning a lot!
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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
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
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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?
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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
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
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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
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.
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
Yes they have exhaust risers but not sure on the clearance. I'll measure it. I'm located in the metro Detroit area.
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
Anyone have any recommendations for boat yards in the Midwest where I have the best chance to find some 283's or 350's?
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
So I measured and it looks like I got 20" from top to bottom. Would that be enough to fit 350s?
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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
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
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
Any recommendations on boat yards to snoop around in?
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
Did you try Robert Henkel?
I bought stuff on EBAY from Checker Marine service in LaSalle, MI. Card says Parting over 400 boats.
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
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
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
I have not but I will contact both.
- quitchabitchin
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Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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
CCABC Board of Directors Member
CCABC Board of Directors Member
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
Would a pair of 327Fs fit? If so, what is a fair price for the pair?
Re: Repowering 1957 26ft CC Clipper
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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