1977 MerCruiser 898 swapping 305 for a 1964 327, help requested

[rriddle99]

Hi all. I have a 1977 SeaRay V197 with a 305 that has a cracked block. I've purchased a 1964 327 with Fuelie heads (which I do not intend to use) that I plan on installing in place of the 305. Currently the outdrive and motor have been removed and I'm starting to determine what all I need to to do this engine before installing it. I dont know much about it other than it's probably had the cam changed and seemed to run really well (so I'm told) before it was removed from the 1964 Chevy II.
My intention for this boat is to putt around the lake and do some wake boarding and tubing. The putting around will be 70% of the usage. The boat is old and possibly has some weak wood. I'm not real worried about that as I can pull the boat out and pull it apart any time so if it develops an issue I'll take care of that when the time come.
I'm planning on pulling the fuelie heads from the 327 and sell them to recoup some money. So I'll be installing the heads from my 305. My questions are mostly about what I may need to do to the 327 other than the normal stainless head gaskets and brass plugs. I'll put the heads, intake, carb, ignition, fuel pump, starter, alternator and water pump from the 305. Does anyone know if the cam's are swappable? I'm on a tight budget so I'd like to keep this cheap if possible. My first intent was to just drop it in while gather parts to pull it out and redo it the way I'd like so any suggestions for longevity without rebuilding would be great.

Thank you all for you help!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 1977 MerCruiser 898 swapping 305 for a 1964 327, help requested

I would be changing the cam if I were you. Find a cam that is made to produce low-end torque (like a truck/rv cam) and is made for the 1000-5000 rpm range.

 

[rriddle99]

Re: 1977 MerCruiser 898 swapping 305 for a 1964 327, help requested

I would be changing the cam if I were you. Find a cam that is made to produce low-end torque (like a truck/rv cam) and is made for the 1000-5000 rpm range.

Will the cam from the 305 work in the 327? I understand what you are saying however I'm trying to stay cheap initially. I also know this is not a normally acceptable practice however I've swapped cams before to do trials and had no issues if done properly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1977 MerCruiser 898 swapping 305 for a 1964 327, help requested

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... as far as I know, the cam should swap Ok,...

'64 is pretty old, but I can't remember any Cam changes, til '86/'87,...

Keep each lifter, with the same lobe on the cam when ya do it,...

 

[79Glastron]

Re: 1977 MerCruiser 898 swapping 305 for a 1964 327, help requested

What is the casting number on the 305 heads? I have a feeling your compression may be a bit high with some of those 305 heads. Premium gas would be required and detonation would be right around the corner in marine useage.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 1977 MerCruiser 898 swapping 305 for a 1964 327, help requested

What is the casting number on the 305 heads? I have a feeling your compression may be a bit high with some of those 305 heads. Premium gas would be required and detonation would be right around the corner in marine useage.

Agreed.

Your average 305 has 58cc combustion chambers. Your average GM marine engine (with old style heads) installed in a boat has heads in the 70cc area. Given the fact that it sounds like you have a modded 327, I wouldn't doubt that it may have flat top pistons which are gunna make more squeeze with the little heads.

Also your typical 305 head has 1.84/1.50 valves, and not so great intake porting. In other words suffocating your 327, while also making the squeeze too high for a budget marine application.


Personally I would look for someone who's looking for a vintage hot-rod engine, and use proceeds from sale to get a donor truck 350 from that era, up till '85. You shouldn't have to swap as much.