1963? Hydrodyne custome deluxe 1700 restoration thread

un-supercharged then.

 

Yeah, I need the "un-$8,000 +" version then..... LOL!

 

It would be cool to hook your volvo engine up to your mercruiser drive.

 

"Huh........" That would work. Drill and tap the volvo flywheel for an alpha coupler. Modify the Volvo belhousing to bolt to an adapter that locates to the Mercruiser inner plate. Only thing is, that might push the motor too far forward unless I really modify the volvo flywheel cover.

I think the first thing I am going to do is get the B18 engine running. If that works, I will just put the drive back on. It really does look good and is very light. I am not sure if I can get the X-dimension correct on the alpha. Seems like the drive is going to be too deep for the transom of the Hydrodyne. Not sure what the X-dimensions were of the Mercruisers available back then. Or the Eaton drives... Given that I have one of the rare Volvo Rzeppa universal joints that looks to be in perfect condition, I am kinda inclined to use it!

 

It might be the wrong gear ratio too. I run my outboard with the cavitation plate inline with the bottom which is higher than most out drives.

I would be concerned about parts, bellows and water pump parts.

 

I believe I have found the water pump impeller or you can still get the whole pump kit. Outdrive bellows is available, same as newer models I guess. I will need a shift cable due to the old one cracking and rusting. But the ends are good, so worse case I have to make a new set using old end parts and a new cable/housing. Anything on the B18 can still be had. Not sure about the oil cooler, need to inspect mine and pressure test it. These B18 engines are still going strong, especially in racing classes. 200 HP without super charging is common and works as a daily driver from what I have read. The bottom end on these engines shares part with a v-8 truck engine I guess, so they are pretty bullet proof.

Right now I am getting mine on a cradle so I can do a compression test. Will take it from there. In the mean time, I am ready to sand the inside of the hull flat and start adding the core back in. Transom is going back in solid, will be cut later. So i can pretty much finish most of the boat before I have to know what I am doing about power.

 

It should be easy enough to adapt an aftermarket oil cooler--probably better. The B18 is a very good engine, it was a popular transplant for the MGTD, way more power.

There are some very good control cables out there now, probably much better than the Volvo. Years ago Mercury built a 90 HP I/O based on a renault 1600cc. The drive was probably pretty small and maybe as rare as the Volvo. I haven't heard of one for years.

 

Perhaps another alternative would be a smaller Mercruiser engine to tie into your Merc outdrive. Years ago I rebuilt a 4 cylinder 153 ci which was a 140hp. It had been submerged in salt water but I found that it was a common GM block and had no problem getting parts. That is the limit of my stern drive experience. If there was any way to stuff that big Mercruiser in I would do that. If you are on a strict budget and the Volvo is salvageable I would probably go that route to eliminate engineering hassle.

I hope you have a really big hand sander - I bought one for my project and it saved me tons of work and time.

 

He has one, tried it and it did not fit. Pictures in the thread.

 

I saw the pics and his engine is a 3.0 liter and a V. That equals 183 cubic inches. I am saying that a straight 4 cylinder would fit.