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Will this Engine work with my Velvet Drive

M

MRD

New member
I have a 1980 Bodega and I need to replace the engines which are locked up,They are CH350 454 engines with a 330hp each and the Velvet Drive is a 10-18-006. I've been looking around and found that "USEngine" makes a remanufactured 454 with 410-450hp. this engine has a higher torq. What I would like to know is will this added hp cause me to have to replace the Velvet Drive I already have in the boat. supposedly the engine should mount up the same bolt patern. I've heard good things about USengine's quality and reliability.
 
There's no reason why you could not use these as they are....., just stay out of the max power range, and stay within your usual operating RPM.

Generally when we increase horse power and torque, the ratio can become taller (numerically lower).
I'm seeing the 10-18-001 1:1 ratio listed for the BBC, and other ratios of 1.52:1, 1.88:1 and 1.91:1 .

Edit:
I found this also.
port model 10-18-006/1.91:1 serial # xxxx , Stbd model 10-18-106/1.88:1 serial # xxxx

This is quite different from the above 1:1 ratio for the BBC.


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You will be right on the upper end of the ratings for the gears.

If you're changing the engines, I'd suggest getting the gears rebuilt by a reputable shop to ensure you won't have any issues.

Also, those gears (at that ratio) are usually "opposite" the normal output rotation...just be sure you put the correct engine in front of the correct gear and they go on the correct set of stringers. The shop that can rebuild them should be able to verify exactly what you have.
 
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