http://www.flickr.com/photos/12901745@N04/4731004579

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12901745@N04/4731004523

Okay, I finally found a decent 455 for my boat. It's a 73, and has the old ignition system (points, coil, etc) Factory heads and intake, Holley DP carb. Still has the water pump and thermostat. I also have 2 Edelbrock Torker intakes, another DP Holley carb, 2 more sets of heads, Hardin block off plate. I also have a big oil pan, with a hose fitting on the bottom. The heads on the engine are J, and I have another set of J, and a set of C casting. The guy said the engine ran fine when he pulled it 2 years ago, and I believe him. I'm thinking for now, I'll drain and refill the oil, turn by hand for a while, the run it with the starter to make sure it's flushed and cleaned somewhat. If it hits, I'll just clean it up and get the boat together for now. If not, then I'm looking at how far to rebuild it.

ANY advice given will be appreciated. I've only done an engine once, and most of that was helping the guy doing it. I'm in this boat for cheap now, and don't want to do anything stupid that'll end up costing me money I don't need to spend. So far, I got the boat, trailer, pump and 2 of everything for a 455 for $500, and I got the engine for $250. I know there are lots of posts about making the 455 more reliable, so I won't ask you to tell me again. I'll search for that info when the time comes. I'm not in a hurry, so please send me all the help you can stand typing.

Thanks to everyone,

Joe

My engine has the stock Olds intake manifold. I also have 2 Edelbrock Torker intakes. I was thinking I read here somewhere that the stock manifold had better performance in a jet boat application. Is that true? Am I better off leaving my factory intake installed and just selling the 2 Edelbrocks? If so...is anybody interested in one?

Thanks,

Joe

PS - I'd appreciate and believe a yes/no answer from you guys, but if you reply, could you briefly explain why?

Thanks again

I don't think anyone knows, lol.

I would stick with the Torker myself. I think the relevant part of what you indicated was aimed at the 460 Fords. Their stock, marine Cobra Jet style intakes are probably better than a Torker.

Ray

Okay, I have a few more questions. My motor came with the old style ignition system (points, coil, condenser). In my box of goodies, I have several newer systems, including an Accel Hi Voltage HEI distributor. I know boats stayed with the old system long after cars had changed to them. Should I stick with the older system, or change out to the newer style?

Also, can anyone tell me the correct plugs and gap for a marine application? It's a 73, and the auto places don't have books that go back that far.

Also, what's the best procedure to start an engine that's been sitting for a couple of years? My plan was to change the oil/filter, turn the crank by hand for a while (5 minutes?), then spin the starter to help pre-lube the top end. Should I pull the rocker arm covers and make sure the oil is circulating? Since the plugs are already out, should I squirt some lubiricant in the cylinders? Anything I'm missing that will help avoid any damage?

Thanks....and I'll be back...

Thanks, I'll wait to hear back before I do anything.

Next question. I'm bidding on a set of Hardin engine mounts (front and bell housing). While going through my box of goodies, I found a different set up. It appears to be a piece that bolts to the motor mounts and then bolts to the stringers. Also, I have the piece that mounts to the front, behind the crank pulley. This is obviously what came with the boat. I know the Hardin pieces have a better look, but is it much better...or just money to spend on the cool factor? It seems like the setup I have would transfer less vibration to the boat since it uses the motor mounts. The Hardin setup essentially bolts the block directly to the stringers, right?

Sorry to keep asking questions, but now that I'm ready to get busy, I don't want to learn anything the hard way.

Thanks again for any/all answers.

PS - Should I start a new thread everytime I have a question, or just keep adding them here?