Hello all, I have a 409 Chevy that was marinized (converted) by Crusader Marine in the 60's that I just pulled out of my 1964 boat. It appeared to have a blown head gasket and upon removal I found a scored cylinder wall most likely due to a wrist pin issue. Prior to that issue, this engine/trans ran perfect, had compression in the mid 130's across all cylinders - all within 8lbs of each other. It also had a rock steady vacuum needle at 18inches, and 30lbs hot oil pressure at idle . The hour meter on the boat reads under 1500 hours total time on the original cable drive Crusader tach/gauge cluster. I have decided to repower the boat with a modern injected small block and will be selling the 409, preferably as a package to someone into old drag boats, or ??? This package is complete with all Crusader factory castings and mounts, newer Holley carb, manifold, distributor, starter, alternator, fresh water cooling, new Barr manifolds and risers, etc, etc. Plus a fully operational Borg Warner Velvet Drive and 2:1 reduction gear assy and a 69" long, 1-1/4" dia inboard shaft. The block number is 3788068, and the heads are 3815643. Before it goes on the market, I will be having the block and heads tanked and magnafluxed to check condition in addition to tanking all the original Crusader castings. I assume #2 cylinder will need to be sleeved due to the scored wall, which I will have done while at the machine shop. I would really appreciate any opinions this group might have regarding value. I know what an automotive version of this engine is worth but have no clue regarding this marine engine. Thanks very much for any info you can offer me.
Not me, but maybe talk to him? https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...arine-boat-flat-bottom-v-drive-parts.1170051/
Pics man pics I will add some folks are weary of marine blocks due to corrosion issues Hopefully it’s all good after ya have it checked I just picked up some heads from a marine y block. I got my fingers crossed they are usable.
Fresh water boat or salt water ? Having seen too many good big blocks go to the scrap pile because of salt water corrosion. Saved many good cranks and rods out of blocks with salt water running through holes in the bores.
I'm not a machinist but there appears to be only minimal corrosion in the water jackets and no "critters" growing in there from "raw" salt water. When I bought the boat it had an older fresh water cooling system so it may have been fresh water cooled its entire life. I'll know soon enough.
One engine I've always wanted. but will never have. Came close once, but it was in a 57 Model 150 2 door Sedan; a 425 HP version at that, and the guy would't sell "that much power to a kid"; I was only 16, and had the $800.00 he wanted for the car. Oh well. Do you know Tom Tuttle? I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
From the notches cut out at the top of the cylinder walls, it is similar to a truck block, which had reliefs cut out to lower the compression down to 8.5 to 1, I believe. Still a fun motor to use, and with the 11.0 to 1 425hp pistons, it can raise the compression to today's acceptable levels.
The Jalopy Journal
