409 marine question

[64 409 Boat]

Howdy, I’m new to here and 409’s. I have a 64 310HP Mercruiser II in a 64 17’ Powercat, with worn out driveshaft coupler splines from mis-alignment. It’s an imposter now being a 348. I was hoping someone could tell me something would be close as I see the flywheels aren’t interchangeable with SBC looks like. I’ll probably have to get some different flywheels and do some measuring unless someone may know of a better way to start....it’s usable maybe but sloppy. Thanks Greg K. gregk59937@icloud.com

 

[1958 delivery]

Flywheels are interchangeable with small and big block Chevy engines

 

[64 409 Boat]

GREAT! I didn’t see that on the interchange list so didn’t try. THANKS

 

[1958 delivery]

Just not 400 sbc and 454 bbc due to counter weight

 

[64 409 Boat]

My apologies.... I didn’t see that READ THIS FIRST...did things all wrong I see.

 

[Barry Taylor]

Hey Greg! Welcome to the site! I’ve seen lots of outboard powercats but never an inboard one, much less with a W motor in it!! Would love to see some pictures of yours when you get time! Thanks, BT

 

[64 409 Boat]

Strange stuff with a 3’ drive shaft extension, and the outdrive rotates upside down with a big hand crank,plus power trim. Also vac assist power shift.

 

[Barry Taylor]

Nice collection you’ve got there! In 1973 my father’s cousin had an open bow 20 22’ power cat with triple 115 Evenrudes. Fun to ski behind!

 

[Murphdog]

Welcome to the site. Are the water pump & intake manifold aluminum or painted silver. If aluminum can you provide casting numbers.
Like 58 delivery said small block and big block flywheels will swap with the exception of 400 small block & 454 big block. Those 2 are externally balanced and have to stay with their own kind. 400 & 454 do not mix. They are balanced differently. Anything that has a 1 piece rear main seal is also different. Other than that there are 153 & 168 tooth counts. I think 348 & 409 apps only use the 168 tooth count. Others may comment on this.
Jeff

 

[Iowa 409 Guy]

Do I see 3 black anchors on that far boat in the pic?

 

[64 409 Boat]

The original 409 long block with intake were gone. The intake I was given is off a truck , the original was an alum 400hp/409 painted black. , but I found an edelbrock that seemed like a better idea for this. That and the aftermarket water pump I bead blasted and put 2-3 coats of clear VHT. The intake was sand blasted instead. Then you bake it on with a big propane torch. The cast iron exhaust is baked on black VHT. Those things weigh 70 lbs each! It’ll never go fast with the almost 800 lbs in just the Engine. OH WELL

 

[64 409 Boat]

The 15’ has twin 70’s the center one is a spare hanging there for storage.

 

[64 409 Boat]

That pic of an old booklet from the late 60’s showing it towing 10 skiers. My brother and I saw it pull 15 one day....They had 2 pickup boats following to pick up the stragglers.

 

[64 409 Boat]

A couple more

 

[55Brodie]

Man, those valve covers are very sexiful.

 

[Murphdog]

So did you just blast the old valve covers and get some new Mercury placards that fit the opening?
Jeff

 

[64 409 Boat]

Yes, the decals are the same for all those old ones. 4- cyl to V-8’s. They have those oil drippers or whatever they’re called above the rocker arms also. I liked the looks once bead blasted, so did them that way instead of black.

 

[Murphdog]

They look pretty sexy to me. What did the decals cost & what are the 3 little screw bosses/nubs on the top of the valve cover for?

 

[64 409 Boat]

Screws are for the wire loom brackets....I don’t remember the price really. I got two sets for a 6-cyl. I can go look for the receipt if you need it.

 

[64 409 Boat]

It was discontinueddecals.com $33 each