I consider a ford marine engine a marinized automotive type deal, brass freeze plugs (called Welsch plugs), marine gaskets, proper machine work, marine bumpstick (aka Cam), good quality timing set (Ford used nylon gears for decades, big no no), and of course marine accesories like the carb, starter fuel pump and alternator.

Now a high performance Ford marine motor is a different animal all together.

The problem is, if you don't know what mods you're going to do later... i.e., bigger carb, bigger cam, different ignition system, intake manifold, pump rebuild, I think building it bullet proof to begin with is a good way to go if you have the scratch, otherwise you could see yourself building it twice, which no matter what components you used to build it costs more...

Depends on if you truely see youself leaving well enough alone, I have never had the self control...

edit:
Also gotta take in the possibility of overreving the engine do to piss poor driving skills and ventelating the pump..That will shorten a stockers life to nothing..
GT

Yeah I am glad you started this post too. I was going to start one where I asked the questions:

If I am a budget boater and have $1000 to put into/on my motor, what are the recommendations?

If I have $2500?

My definition of a budget boater is he/she wants reliable performance. I/we want to take those workhorse "marine" motors that came in our 70's boats new and give that iron some of the knowledge that has been gained over the past 30+ years.

I love reading about the $15k race motors here on SCJB, but I gotta think 50% of us don't have the scratch to pull it off.

I am a redneck when it comes to true performance crap, I have had some good running stockers and some 7,000 RPM screamers, the difference between me and the full blown race guys is the amount of money I don't spend.

I have built what my family has grown to call "Grenade Motors", nothing wrong with them, just that all of the parts are used (with the exeption of cams, gaskets and odds and ends, but as far as cranks, pistons, rods, rockers, heads, valves and whatever else I can pick up for free or close to it. I am not too proud to do some dumpster diving every once in a while, I have never been nor will I ever be wealthy, does not mean you cannot have quality.

With the internet these days brings the ability to get any piece of info. for any aftermarket or performance factory part out there, so finding the right part is a piece of cheese if you think about what your trying to do before hand..

I am going to a Good Guys swap meet at the end of the month, I call it shopping.

One mans junk is another mans Hot Rod in kit form   

The last two motors I built were from a large amount of parts I had in storage for years (like 10), if I had to go buy all of those high perf. parts I would easily have $7k-$10k in a big Chevy making the same power...

It just takes a little longer to get em built 

I always overbuild everything, always had, its weird, I hear the smallest little noise and I want to lay it all over the garage floor, I think I have a problem


GT

With the internet these days brings the ability to get any piece of info. for any aftermarket or performance factory part out there, so finding the right part is a piece of cheese if you think about what your trying to do before hand..

I am going to a Good Guys swap meet at the end of the month, I call it shopping.

One mans junk is another mans Hot Rod in kit form   

That is what Jet Boating is all about these days, no??

You're a man after my own heart, GT, sweety,  and exactly why I probably fell into this, or these, projects (The yellow submarine is next........)

I've gotten more bargain parts and donations that probably total, in themselves, thousands of dollars at retail. Yeah, I've put a few thousand more into this thing, but I'm going to get more that that out of it in enjoyment.

i also agree on over building for future testosterone levels. It's the only reasonable thing to do.

Ray

Let me just start with "I dont know anything about building motors".  With that said, with the 460 how do you know if it is the 8.0 or 7.5?  Where do you guys find all the high perf. parts for them (tunnel rams, high flow carbs, headers, etc.)? I tried summit but couldnt find too much.  maybe I just didnt know what to look for. 

the 2 bbf are 429/460 and what is it that you are looking for parts wise. alot of us have stuff laying around or know people who do

Which class are you in?  See post above.

Is cruising and trouble free boating most important or top speed?

Do you want to run regular gas or are you willing to go for premium?

Do you want some economy or just balls to the walls goooooo?

This will require 3 different size bank accounts.....

Could you post some pictures and let us know what you have now?   

I guess first and foremost since the motor has an engine cover i should probably take some measurements and see what i am able to do.

thank you for the info.  i will be taking your advise and run it first and see if i am happy with it.  The last boat i had, had an outboard motor so jetboats are fairly odd to me still.  i had a jet boat with a 455 but burnt up the motor and sold it.  I am just worried to have the same problem with this boat.  its a 20.5ft closed bow so hopefully it will get going fairly fast.  The outboard motor ran at 50mph with a merc 115 on a 17ft.  i would be happy going the same speed.  however if it is slower knowing myself i will be on the market for some bolt on mods soon.

the factory internals are vary strong...but...with the amount of load in a jet boat, an upgrade is worth the money.  i do believe your motor is all fresh right...also...how big is your boat?  the bigger the boat the more balls you motor must have.  i have a 19ft hallett and to be in the class i want to be in(one step higher than balls to the walls) i have prepared to spend the money needed. 

if you want a medium grade fun toy, i would leave the block alone for now.  step up the cam and do roller rockers.  get a better intake manifold.  like a torker 2 or something.  a tunnel ram is great for high rpm power.  i am thinking you want power from 1500-4200.  there really is no right or wrong.  its what will work for you. 

im in my engine about 4k and have a little way to go still.  but its gonna be one mean 521 ford that started from what you got.  just because its not the best now doesnt mean you cant make improvements later on in life.  my engine's opporating range is 2400-6200.  in a 19ft boat with a berk and aa stainless impeller.  im gonna be pushing 650hp.  should be a solid 80mph.  maybe faster after i blueprint the hull and "tweak" some things. 

best advise: get it running and enjoy.  i like working on things but there comes a time i want to enjoy it.  hopefully soon!

pic is the motor i have the way it came in my hondo.  no more yellow.  i paid 950 for the whole boat, yanked the motor and tanks then sold the hull and trailer for 1200.  i think i made out ok.