Chrysler 318 to 360's

[Deadmeat]

Hi all,
My Clean Machine was supposedly fitted with overhauled 318's about 5 years ago with only tune up time and never been in the water. Unfortunately, the rings are either stuck or rusted and have poor compression. Instead of pulling the motors apart and going through them, I thought I’d get a set of remaned Chrysler 360’s and swap everything over. My concern is whether the Velvet Drive 71c (1017-000-004 1.0:1) can handle the bigger engines. I’ve seen listings where the can take up to 250hp and other paperwork that says 300hp/ Am I asking for trouble and stay with the 318’s or look for something else?

[prowlersfish]

Why not run the 318s and put some hours on them you may find the engines in spec by then .

I would have no proplem with the 71 and the 360

[Agitator]

By your post I assume you have twin 318's. Is one counter rotating? I think it should be. Just a heads up...

[Dan Faith]

First issue if rings or valves are rusted just low compression I would replace with detergent oil and run to free up and recheck compression. I have a 30 ft clean machine and it definitly does not need 360's to go that route don't forget you would have to look at reproping or you will exceed the max RPM's. The trannies would handle the 360's in they are 250 hp the 318's are 225 hp.

[Deadmeat]

Thanks guys,
I'm pretty sure the engines are toast. I soaked the cylinders with ATF over a period of weeks, but the cylinder pressures are from 40 to 90spi and cant get them to run. If there's rust in the cylinders, I'm sure theres more elsewhere and "might as well" do it right while it's out of the water. With rising gas prices, I thought about putting in a pair of 4.3s at 225hp, but I dont think I can get them in counter rotating. And since I didnt want to be caught short on power after new motors I thought about the 360s. I guess I should stick with the 318s and enjoy it.

[prowlersfish]

A 318 is a great motor for a clean machine