To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

« **on:** August 03, 2020, 08:49:30 AM »

Hola folks...
New user here.

Not new to boats, but haven't had one for a long while.

A buddy, has an older 21ft open bow with a Ford 460 powerplant. He recently bought the boat from a previous 30yr owner. Apparently, it's hurt and either needs a complete rebuild or a swap.

Because I'm thinking of purchasing the boat... I thought to come here and ask;

What's the average expected cost to rebuild a 460?
(including pulling the motor, rebuilding, reinstalling etc)

Would it be beneficial 'at this time' to swap the 460, to a 454?
(not because of brand loyalty, more HP, etc. but for future parts/rebuild costs and availability)

Who would YOU call in the San Diego County area for such work to be performed?
... I'm at a loss for reputable shops or mechanics these days, and don't need a problem child boat once repaired.

ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

« **Reply #1 on:** August 03, 2020, 02:53:53 PM »

Quote from: Johnnyairtime on August 03, 2020, 08:49:30 AM

Hola folks...
New user here.

Not new to boats, but haven't had one for a long while.

A buddy, has an older 21ft open bow with a Ford 460 powerplant. He recently bought the boat from a previous 30yr owner. Apparently, it's hurt and either needs a complete rebuild or a swap.

Because I'm thinking of purchasing the boat... I thought to come here and ask;

What's the average expected cost to rebuild a 460?
(including pulling the motor, rebuilding, reinstalling etc)

Would it be beneficial 'at this time' to swap the 460, to a 454?
(not because of brand loyalty, more HP, etc. but for future parts/rebuild costs and availability)

Who would YOU call in the San Diego County area for such work to be performed?
... I'm at a loss for reputable shops or mechanics these days, and don't need a problem child boat once repaired.

ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

As far as a reputable engine builder, Bostick is your man in San Diego.

https://m.facebook.com/bostickracingengines/about/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0

A Ford is just as good as a Chevy. But, parts are easier to find for a Chevy, especially if you’re trying to stay on a budget. Ford stuff is out there, Chevy is just more abundant.

If you wanted to swap to a Chevy, be prepared. New mounts, exhaust. The fit will be an issue as well as far as thru-transom exhaust goes. Does it have the jump seats next to the engine? That might be an issue also.
There was an article in HotBoat magazine about repowering an Olds boat with a Chevy or Ford and these were some of the issues brought up. I’ll see if I can find it.

Oh yeah, Welcome to SCJB.

Sent from my iPhone using SoCal Jet Boats mobile app

« **Reply #2 on:** August 04, 2020, 07:27:04 AM »

Thanks for the info...

I'll call Bostick today.

I called JP Marine yesterday, and was a bit surprised at the "rebuild cost" example he gave me. Sounded pretty high.

I also went and looked at the boat. NICE boat for it's age, and would be a good buy if the rebuild or replacement didn't kill the budget.

... so, is there a reason a 'crate motor' wouldn't be a good idea?! I see them all day long for $3k or under. I'd assume, a marine 460 build is much different than a crate motor? ... sorry for the ignorance, just not too saavy when it comes to this topic.

And no... no jump seats to the backsides of the engine. It's actually a back bench and a flat covered motor compartment. Think; mini day cruiser style. The lower hull is deep enough that the motor cover is flat. Love it that way, for clean lines. My old Warlock 21ft open bow was the same and how I prefer it. The deeper hull seems to ride nice and not porpoise as bad than my old 19ft bubble deck. ... but, that's another topic.

« **Reply #3 on:** August 04, 2020, 07:29:59 AM »

So you can see "no jump seats"... here's the back of the boat.

« **Reply #4 on:** August 04, 2020, 10:34:14 AM »

Looks nice! Is there more pics?

Crate motors can be pretty awesome, especially if you have all the parts to make it a complete engine. My Ford 521 short block was 3500(6 years ago). Had it set up for marine application. Took 2 to 3 months but it was worth it. Fired right up and ran amazing.

Sent from my LM-Q730 using SoCal Jet Boats mobile app

« **Reply #5 on:** August 04, 2020, 11:16:03 AM »

Because the motor, is already FORD...

I'd assume, everything currently bolted to the 'tired' motor... would bolt to the crate motor.
... would that be a correct assumption? Or, would I have to worry about year of the motor, etc for fitment of accessories etc?

And... are all 'crate' motors the same? Meaning, one supplier... the same as the other? Or, some to stay away from... or, the GO TO that I need to buy from?

Lastly... you say; "Had it setup for marine application". When you ordered it, or...? And, what changed from a 'crate' motor to suit it for 'marine application'? .... More info would be helpful.

« **Reply #6 on:** August 05, 2020, 11:28:16 AM »

Quote from: Johnnyairtime on August 04, 2020, 11:16:03 AM

Because the motor, is already FORD...

I'd assume, everything currently bolted to the 'tired' motor... would bolt to the crate motor.
... would that be a correct assumption? Or, would I have to worry about year of the motor, etc for fitment of accessories etc?

And... are all 'crate' motors the same? Meaning, one supplier... the same as the other? Or, some to stay away from... or, the GO TO that I need to buy from?

Lastly... you say; "Had it setup for marine application". When you ordered it, or...? And, what changed from a 'crate' motor to suit it for 'marine application'? .... More info would be helpful.

Yes, I was able to reuse a lot of stuff, quick example......exhaust, distributor, starter, front cover, all the hoses, the carbs and intake, oil pan, roller rockers, bell housing, etc etc. The heads I decided to go a different direction but you may be able to use those too. Depending on the condition and model.

Here is a great link shared by flusher about compression ratio. Which will give you and idea of what you can do with certain heads/pistons/block.

The marine clearances has been talked about a lot. The search function isnt working for me right now. When it does ill send a link.

Sent from my LM-Q730 using SoCal Jet Boats mobile app

« **Reply #7 on:** August 05, 2020, 02:46:16 PM »

I bought a create motor from summit and just put my pan and intake on it and has been all good so far. Also gets sent right to your house and comes with 18 month warranty

Sent from my iPhone using SoCal Jet Boats

« **Reply #8 on:** August 06, 2020, 09:19:20 AM »

Quote from: gsmitty on August 05, 2020, 02:46:16 PM

I bought a create motor from summit and just put my pan and intake on it and has been all good so far. Also gets sent right to your house and comes with 18 month warranty

Yup... that's from ATK?

I also looked into one from Michigan Motorz...

BUT, nobody has one available and all are on a 2 month or more wait time to get one in.

« **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2020, 07:26:01 AM »

Quote from: Johnnyairtime on August 06, 2020, 09:19:20 AM

Yup... that's from ATK?

I also looked into one from Michigan Motorz...

BUT, nobody has one available and all are on a 2 month or more wait time to get one in.

This is who I used.

https://www.coasthigh.com/short-blocks-s/12.htm

Worked out better than I expected. But like I said I had to weight a couple months.

Sent from my LM-Q730 using SoCal Jet Boats mobile app

« **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2020, 07:41:04 AM »

Quote from: FordLover on August 07, 2020, 07:26:01 AM

This is who I used.

https://www.coasthigh.com/short-blocks-s/12.htm

Worked out better than I expected. But like I said I had to weight a couple months.

Thanks, I've sent them a message off of their Facebook page.
I'll follow up with their customer-service emails from the webpage and see what they have to offer as a solution.

I now have the boat in my posession... for evaluation, and to see if it's worth the purchase.

« **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2020, 10:27:46 AM »

Good look in float.

Sent from my LM-Q730 using SoCal Jet Boats mobile app

Johnnyairtime

To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

TrollerDave

To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

Johnnyairtime

Re: To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

Johnnyairtime

Re: To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

FordLover

Re: To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

Johnnyairtime

Re: To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

FordLover

Re: To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

gsmitty

Re: To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

Johnnyairtime

Re: To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

FordLover

Re: To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

Johnnyairtime

Re: To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)

FordLover

Re: To buy.... and/or To rebuild, or to swap (460 BBF)