327!! Drive questions HELP PLS

30'Express1975 · Post by **30'Express1975** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 11:09 am

hey guys,
Ok, heres the story. My buddy just picked up a 59 Connie and hes gonna part it out. It has 327's, Im thinking of grabbing one from him to put in a jet boat or something smaller like that. I was wondering what type of drives I can use on that motor. Any advice? Thanks Guys

jon_e_quest · Post by **jon_e_quest** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:11 pm

Are they 327's or 283's? A '59 Constellation would have come with a flywheel forward 283 marinized by Chris Craft. Would likely be coupled to a 1:1 manual reverse gear unless it comes out of a bigger boat. The 283 (unless you have the later 283F) is unique because the engine is turned around with the bellhousing attached to what is normally the front of the engine. This was done to reduce the height of the installation. Output was just 185hp.

If the boat was actually re-powered with 327's, then the engine is installed conventionally, with the flywheel just ahead of the reverse gear (manual or hydraulic). Early versions were Chris Craft Marine. Later versions were Marine Power sourced. Output is only 210hp for both versions, so don't go bigger than 18' of boat.

Good Luck!

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:11 pm

Any drive that will fit a small block chevy . the 283/305/327/350 are all the same bell housing and exhaust , fly wheel changed in 1986 on the small block ( different bolt pattern ) Not that you will see them in marine use but the 265/302( not a ford 302 LOL)/400 are the same also .

The flywheel forward engind can be changed ,( used on both 283 and 327)

The 327 was made in other hp ratings then 210

I know there are die hard 327 lovers but I would thake a 350 anyday

30'Express1975 · Post by **30'Express1975** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:45 pm

repowered w/ 327s (not sure what yr they are, im asking). I would take a 350 also, but hes gonna basically let me have it( i think). what should I be looking for ? I was thinking a 16ft checkmate or something like that

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 6:53 pm

And be sure the engine matches the drive's rotation...

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:03 pm

Did some checking 327k was 210 hp and the late 327Q was 230hp

I have seen both the 327 and the 283 driven off the front of the crank on CC engine .

Owens flagship engines also drove off the front of the engine ( they were small block chevys also ) it was a simple set up but IMO did not work well . But did like the gear driven raw water pump (only pump it used)