Looking to repower 1974 222 inboard any ideas ?

[Fishnut1]

It has a 318 Chrysler that runs like a champ, but it is old and I’d like to get more speed of it, any ideas or what do other people have in there’s  I’d like to keep it simple

[Fishnut1]

You mean to tell me out of the handful of people that looked at the post there isn’t anyone that knows anything ? Really!

[mshugg]

So here’s the thing.  This is a specialized web site, and most of us have experience with outboard powered boats.  Your inboard 222 is kind of rare.  I have no idea how many were made, but given Aquasport’s Florida heritage, you could probably count the number of inboard 222s produced in any year on one hand.  You might get better recommendations on swapping out your Chrysler on a general board where there is likely to be more inboard experience.

If forced to make a recomendation,I’d say yank the inboard, rebuild the transom to full height and go with a 150-200 pound four stroke outboard on a bracket.  You’ll loose weight and gain in fuel economy and top end.  But, I’m sure that’s not the advise you’re looking for.

[theFunsmith]

I am doing exactly what mshugg mentioned above. My 22-2 started as an inboard, and I am moving to an outboard on a bracket. There are some hurdles to jump to get from here to there, but there are some big benefits to doing it. I guess it all just depends on how deep down the rabbit hole you are willing to go.

If you decide to stay with the inboard, I have a pile of prop/rudder system hardware that I removed from mine in case you are looking for spares.

[Fishnut1]

thanks for the input, but making it an outboard isn't even an option if I wanted an outboard I would have bought an outboard. shes beautiful with her clean lines uncluttered deck space .

[theFunsmith]

From my limited knowledge on the topic re-powers can be a real pain in the butt if you are changing platforms (think chevy 350). I think the easiest method of adding a new heart to the original hardware would be to run with another new or rebuilt 318. It is not a bad foundation at all. It would ensure the mounting locations, cooling, power transmission etc all line up with as little issue as possible. Then if more power is the name of the game, a look into intake manifolds and carburetors may get you where you want to be. I don't think there is much in the way of exhaust options.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hme-dm15/overview/make/dodge

http://www.hurrikain.com/Chrysler-Intakes.htm

(edit) It doesn't look like the second link has manifolds available, but there are part numbers and information that may help.

[Capt. Bill]

From my limited knowledge on the topic re-powers can be a real pain in the butt if you are changing platforms (think chevy 350). I think the easiest method of adding a new heart to the original hardware would be to run with another new or rebuilt 318. It is not a bad foundation at all. It would ensure the mounting locations, cooling, power transmission etc all line up with as little issue as possible. Then if more power is the name of the game, a look into intake manifolds and carburetors may get you where you want to be. I don't think there is much in the way of exhaust options.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hme-dm15/overview/make/dodge

http://www.hurrikain.com/Chrysler-Intakes.htm



(edit) It doesn't look like the second link has manifolds available, but there are part numbers and information that may help.

I agree, 318's are from a by-gone era.  I would look into re-powering with 350 a crusader. I have a couple of friends who did that and they usual bolt right in.   Speed will greatly depend on the hull design,  your transmission, and the pitch on the prop. 

[Woodeneye]

thanks for the input, but making it an outboard isn't even an option if I wanted an outboard I would have bought an outboard. shes beautiful with her clean lines uncluttered deck space .

It does look pretty sweet in that photo without the outboard hanging off the back, I must admit, fantastic even, but how is the walk around space? Horses for courses I guess.

[wingtime]

I'm not a Dodge guy but is the 360 the same block as the 318?  The would be an easier upgrade.. or maybe there is a stroked version of the 318 you can get.  If it were mined I'd also look into a throttle body fuel injection setup.  That will save you tons of of fuel and make it run better.....  Then again you  might be able to find a Bobtail motor that will bolt right up to your existing transmission.  I'm assuming it's a velvet drive.

[GoneFission]

You may want to call Carolina Machine Engines (CME) - they specialize in Mopar performance and make a great series of Mopar crate engines.  As said above, you could probably go with a 340 or 360 and upgrade a lot in power and reliability.  The folks at CME can tell you what will bolt up to a 318 setup and recommend a good solution for you.  CME says the quality and dependability of their engines is derived from the vast experience gained from the production of over 50,000 engines since 1984, and over 50 years of intense involvement in racing and street performance.  These guys are the experts, and a phone call might give you the answer you are seeking!  For example, CME sells  a stroked 360 up to 408 CI that hauls a$$ and has and excellent torque/HP curve for a marine application - you will pay about $6,000 for it - but it's ready to go and has a 12 month warranty (see below). 

Carolina Machine Engines (CME)
800-903-6446
www.CMEngines.com


Type: LA-series small-block (360) - CID: 408
Block: seasoned block, sonic tested, plate-honed, line-honed, decked,
brass freeze plugs (marine use OK)
Rotating assembly: cast steel 4-inch stroker crank, 9.5:1 forged pistons, moly rings, 4340 forged rods, and premium rod and main bearings
Cylinder heads: performance aluminum heads, bowl-blended, port-matched and cc’d, 2.02-/1.60-inch stainless steel valves, performance valve springs,
rocker studs/guide plates
Camshaft: around .500-inch lift, 270 degrees duration at .050-inch lift
Valvetrain: roller rocker arms
Intake: performance aluminum intake manifold
Oiling: high-volume oil pump
Output: 408 hp at 5,200 rpm and 450 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm
Out-the-door price: $5,996
Warranty: 12-month/12,000-mile 

[finsleft258]

It has a 318 Chrysler that runs like a champ, but it is old and I’d like to get more speed of it, any ideas or what do other people have in there’s  I’d like to keep it simple

You have a few limitations. First, to gain speed by any appreciable amount, you will need to do prop changes and possibly transmission changes. You are limited on the prop diameter by its proximity to the hull, that is, you cannot increase its diameter by very much without affecting the tip clearance and vibration. That leaves pitch. You can increase the pitch, but will struggle to find a powerplant/transmission combo that will have similar weight with enough torque and shaft speed to increase you speed. This leaves you two options for repower: small diesel (with all of the expense of the conversion) or gas Chevy (350 or LS--more on that in a minute).

I would rule out diesel unless you like spending copious coin and plan on keeping her for another 20 years. A 350 small block with fuel injection will get you a marginal bump in torque and horsepower and is relatively cheap to do. LS platforms are even better, albeit a bit pricier. Six liter LS engines have shown some serious performance gains in Volvo platforms and others as well. I would highly recommend you look for that option.

[barkdog]

hi I am 68 and done this a few times haha and glad to discuss  8046425383 craig  first, I am converting a 222c to inboard if you could get me the measurement from the inside of your transom to the engine/bell housing joint I would really appreciate it
now yours   you need to get some measurements before pulling the 318 if you are going to switch engine  First clearance from oil pan to hull, overall length of engine and trans ,  distance fro oil pan bottom to center line of crankshaft
from here you can compare to 350 set up for fitment
  now if your exchangers, trans ect are usable I would use same 318 to keep it simple and lower$   now if you want a different block you will be all new!
I am now finishing a 350 merc-330 hp set up in a 23 mako  we are using a throttle body inject. for Perform. inj system which gets the hp and reduces fuel use 30%  may want to use on you motor  hope this helps

[Larryowen]

It has a 318 Chrysler that runs like a champ, but it is old and I’d like to get more speed of it, any ideas or what do other people have in there’s  I’d like to keep it simple

Jumping in here late, but Fishnut1 please give me an update on how things worked out. I, too, have a 222 INBOARD (1977) and must re-power my current Chevy 350-5.7L. I'm going with a 350 or 383 stroker long block so everything will bolt up/attach with few hassles.

Thanks!!
Larry