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Can someone tell me which Chrysler and Mercury motors were legal for the old 36 Runabout class that was run in APBA back in the 60's and 70's. Thinking about building one and would like to have a correct motor on it. Thanks.
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35 Chrysler With A Pointed Gearcase
I think that the 35 and 55 Chrysler have the same gearcases and many of the same parts. The 35 is the legal motor. I was told that Force made some with the pointed gearcase, too.
I too would like to know which Mercury motor is legal. I feel that it is the motor pre 402, that had a silver block, 2 cylinders. I can't quite recall what they called it, something like 350 or 400....
I am lobbying to require the fin to be on the bottom where it belongs. And allowing after market cowlings. The rule allows removal of cowlings, but I think I want a carbon graphic cowling on my 36. -
Fin?????????
Ron, if you had a real 60's 36 you don't need a fin.
Bill RosadoComment
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Yes I believe it was the Merc 350, a 2 cylinder engine.Comment
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36 class
I have built many of these 36 boats and motors back in the day ,[started racing this class in 1958 myself] . The first motors were the Evenrude/Johnson big twin 25 and 1955 30 with rubber mounts,All 36 cubic inches ,hence the name. Later came the Chrysler 35 and after that came the mercury 402 with an all black powerhead with the same lower unit as a merc 500. I think the 402 powerhead is the same as the later 35SS motor of later years we ran in APBA.Comment
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I understood that the 402xs was a legal "36" class motor and when the class went away it was allowed in "D" stock even though it wasn't really competitive there. It remains on the list of legal motors for D stock to this day.
The 402xs is the same thing as the Merc 35ss. While the 402xs was "unloved" because it had a heavy flywheel and consequently didn't accelerate or slow down very well, it was probably one of the faster motors in the class.
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402
The 402 merc with the stock fishing lower unit was the only motor used in this class. We ran them with a 21 and 3/4 inch transom with a merc 2 blade chopper prop,probably still available.Comment
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If you never seen the 36's race you have missed something. Watching those crazy drivers roll that club foot big boat thing up was a pleasure to see.
And no bottom or turning fin the Unit did it all(and boat design).
I can see George Scudder Now. Fantastic.Comment
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OK, No Fins are OK!!!!
Originally posted by modracer7b View Post
BUT, if you have a fin, if better be on the bottom where it belongs....Comment
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36 with EORC
Pat
George is the first person that came to my mind when I saw the thread. There were a couple others Charlie ?, Anker Petersen a member here, George Boaterman and others.
David
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36 class
One thing I forgot to mention was if you were in a BU or AU better stay off the water for 10 minutes after they ran, the holes they dug in the water were Grand Canyon deep.
DavidComment
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36 Runabout motors
Thanks for all the info guys. My research shows that Mercury built a 2-cylinder Merc 350 (35hp) from '62-'69. First 3 were 30 cu.in. and last 4 were 32.5 cu.in. The a Merc 400 (40hp) in '70 and '71. The Merc 402 was from '72 on. All these were 33.3 cu.in.
There was a kilo record set in '76 by George Publow at 58.765 using a Merc. Guessing that was a 402.
Anyone know if all these Mercs were legal?Comment
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36 Runabout Motors
Ron Hill, thanks for the info on the Chryslers. Ralph DeSilva told me that you were active in the class and would know.Comment
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36 class
The only legal merc was the 402 fishing versionComment
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I'm Not Sure You Are Right
I picked up 001 402 XS from Mercury Racing in August 1976. A Mercury had raced and won 36 in 1970 at Beloit, but he "Forgot" to go to inspection, which to this day was a BS deal, that manure cost a west coaster the title.Originally posted by hpick86n View Post
I really don't think the 402 was ever legal in 36, as I'm pretty sure, that "SUCKER" would beat the Chrysler with ease!Comment
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