Classic 18 with 351 engines

[AGUESS]

Hi everyone. Thanks for the answers to my is this a good engine price question. Forrest noted that he could not put a 351 in his 16'.

I do not have the 351 to measure for fit in a 1966 18'. Do any of you have 351 Windsors installed in your 18'?

Although I assume that while restoring the boat, I could cut the stringers and lower them by an inch or so, I would prefer not to have to do this. I also don't know what that would do to the OMC sterndrive performance.

As I need to buy this engine if I am going to, your experience with this is needed. The engine is in FL and I am in NC.

Thanks,

Alex.

[Scott Pearson]

Alex,
You dont have to cut the stringers. You can cut the mounts or have some made. In my 1968 that I chevy powered I cut the mounts so that they dropped inbetween the stringers. The only part of the stringer I had to cut was for the altanator, about an inch down and 3 inches across. I raised my X-dem. about 1 1/2 inches.

(NJ)Scott

[BillG]

I have a 351 Windsor in my 66 18 and the stringers have not been cut.

[Rich]

Bill,

Is your 66 18 a triple hatch model?
Does the engine clear the stock engine hatch?
Send me some pics if you have any.

Thanks,
Rich

[BillG]

It is a triple hatch engine cover. The engine does not touch the hatch nor anything else for that matter. I originally had a '69 351 in the boat, after 21 years of salt water the engine had a rust through in one of the heads so I replaced it in '92 with an HO 351.

[Emmo]

Could it be that the rare and much sought after barrel-backs have more clearance than the later models? http://www.donzi.net/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Emmo mailto:emmette@emmette.comemmette@emmette.com</A>