Chris Craft or Chrysler?

[Riva02]

Hi,

I'm Tim from Germany!

Do you know what type of engine this is? Chris Craft or Chrysler?
It's the engine of Ariston 508 or 598...

Best regards,
Tim

[Don Ayers]

That looks to be a Chris-Craft 327F engine. A great engine but not correct in your boat, which I'm sure you know.

Is it running? What are your plans? What boat number?

Thanks

[Riva02]

Hi,

It's either number 508 or 598...
The engine should be running, boat needs restoration!
Chris Craft 327f, are u sure?

Thanks,
T

[Don Ayers]

Well, certainly a number of things could have been changed on it like some of the plumbing/cooling but it sure looks like one.

It could be a Chris-Craft 350Q

Do you know how to identify a Small Block Chevy by the casting number on the block? That would tell us a lot.

[Riva02]

Hi,

Well...no, I didn't know that...
But the boat is not here right now so I can't look for the number on the block.
And this is the only pic of the engine I took when I saw it last time, sorry!

Thanks so far!

[Riva02]

Hi again!

Another question :

The man who sells the Riva told us that the original Chrysler sea V M-80 engines didn't (and still don't) work properly?
So the Chris Craft engines are better and have less problems?

Thanks!
Tim

[Riva02]

What engines do you like more/most?

[Don Ayers]

It is true that the Chrysler M-80 engine is not well respected, however that does not mean it is all bad.

The 318 cu in platform the engine is based on is a very solid engine. Where the M-80 has some issues are its marine conversion parts.

1. Many people don't like the carbs because they can leak if not properly set up. This issue can be solved with proper set up.

2. The water pump driven by a chain can also be fixed.

3. These engine developed good torque for their displacement.

With a proper re-manufacture and set up they can be a great running engine.

I think that many today don't understand the old engines and how to deal with them.

I have been collecting these M-80's and offer them in a 100% perfect condition ready to use and enjoy.

If you don't care about having the original engine the next best thing would be a Chris-Craft SBC of a similar vintage.

[Riva02]

Hi,

Well, the engine in (now my ) boat is not the original one and I don't know how important it is to have the original engine (Chrysler) in there...
Normally I'd fit a Chris Craft in; what do you think? Better to have an original Chrysler?

Thanks!
Tim

[Don Ayers]

Tim;

You need to be sure of the hull number.

508 = 1963 with a Chrysler M-80

598 =1964 with a Chris-Craft 283 V8

Post a picture of the number. It should be painted on a number of places in the boat.

See pic of my 266

If your boat is 598 you are home free as an exact original engine can be built which brings the value up for any boat.

[Riva02]

Hello,

I don't have a picture of the number yet (the boat is located about 500km away from my home)! But I'll check as soon as possible

[Riva02]

Hello!

I've bought the Ariston and it's here now
(I'll also open a new topic about it)

The engine is very strange...I'm still not sure what it is.
I think I've seen a GM number on the block...

[Riva02]

And this is the GM number:

[Don Ayers]

Tim;

What you have there is a Chris-Craft 305 cubic inch K motor. Original it was 225 hp.

Did you verify the hull number of your Ariston??

[Riva02]

Hello,
So it was a 225 hp Chris Craft engine, ok!

Yes, it's Ariston 508

Thanks a lot!!!

[Don Ayers]

Tim;

OK, Ariston 508 was delivered with the Chrysler Sea-V 177hp, model M-80.

Let me know if I can help

Please post pictures of your new purchase in the appropriate section

Ciao

Don