Barracuda Repower options

Gary S wrote: Hate to be that guy but you need to find new mechanics or step up to the plate and learn how to maintain it yourself. What parts are you having trouble finding? Ford 351's have been out of production going on 20 years- some parts are becoming scarce for them as well. Chryslers are good marine engines actually developed by Chrysler as a marine engine rather than being converted to a marine engine by an outside firm like a Ford or Chevy.

Steve,
I totally agree with Gary. Get a new "mechanic" There are hundreds if not thousands of 318's running great out there.

I’ll second what Gary said. Any mechanic that says a 351 will be more reliable than a Chrysler is smoking crack. They are equally reliable with the same potential problems. I’m not a Chrysler fan but a Barracuda has to stay Chrysler powered.

Hi
I’ve got a 69 barracuda which my local marina will no longer work on. They just can’t get the original Chrysler engine to run well or consistently.   But I love the bot and would like to have it repowered with something that’s reliable and for which pets are readily available. They directed me to someone whose done this before, but that mechanic seems to think my only option is a 351 as he foresees problems with the oil pan on other newer common options.   Does anyone know if this is in fact the case and that a 351 is my only option, without heavy modifications?
Thanks
Steve