Since Im new to this whole Jet boat experience, Iv been reading alot to figure out what to buy. I have a few questions though.. Like whats the difference between an A impeller and a B? Why are some made of bronze and some stainless? Also, I found some headers for a BBC and was wondering if its a good deal or not. Theyre basset with the ports in the bottom for water, but no lines. They're shorter than most of the headers Iv seen and a little beat up, will need a refinish. But moneys tight and the guy wants $200. Worth it? Thanks in advance for any info!

Not sure why the diff between bronze and stainless, I think you're best bet is to stick with the A cut impeller, most boats out there like the A, think of the impeller like the 3rd member in your car, the A is probably close to a 3.70 gear, B is 3.83, C is 4.11, D is 4.56 none of those are factual, but they'll give you an idea how it works.

The headers, $200, beat up with no water lines? Pass- There's always BBC headers available, 300 to 350 is the going rate, usually including water lines.

Your best money spent will be on a Place Diverter, hands down the best bang for your buck you can get.

Keep 'em coming, I'm here all week!

Yes, a droop should help lift your boat out of the water, I'd buy it if you can get it cheap enough (less than $175) otherwise buy a new one.
There's quite a few good BBC for sale, what's your $$$ range??

Yah, Im looking for a BB then buying the bling later. Found a stock 454 locally with casting out of a early 70s Chevelle for 400 bucks. Iv been eyeballing Brads carb and scoop, just have to make sure Im getting the motor first. Moneys been real tight lately cause of the weather and I do dirt work for a living, not mud work! Going back at it tomorrow though, plus Im taking my Rhino to a guy for a test ride and hopfully some extra boat money. As soon as I get cash, this site will be the first to know! I gotta get this boat goin!

PM Sent

Well, Sold the Rhino today. Sad to watch it leave but now I have boat cash! Picked up the 454 for 300 bones. Now the fun begins. Need a few things.. but what else do you guys recomend getting? So far its valve covers, intake/carb, scoop, high quart oil pan.. I think Im going to need a bellhousing and whatever parts connect the motor to the U-Joints on the jet. Id also like to get the motor rails to make it easier to pull later on. I have engine plates. Need a distributor, buy expensive or buy factory Chev? Iv heard alot about getting a cam.. your thought on that? It looks like I have all waterlines to hook up the motor. Anything else off the top of your heads?

Ok, here's what I'd be buying if it was me:

10 Quart jet boat oil pan- Summit sells a nice Hamburger's pan for $220 http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HAM-1498/

Rail kit, contact Ironman here on the boards, he makes them, he's in Clovis so you could just pop down the hill and pick a set up.

I run a Mallory Unilite Distributor w/ Pro Master coil, I love it. Others like MSD shit, it's up to you really, just avoid Pro Comp at all costs. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MAA-3748201/

Cam- Comp Cams makes a nice 292/292 K kit http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-K11-213-3/

Intake manifold- Very nice knock off of a Victor Jr. I've seen some of these intakes, and other than the fact that there's no brand name on them, they're as close to identical as I could tell. Talked to a few guys that own them, they love them, they work good, and they're priced right. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PFS-53036/?rtype=10

Minimum 850 mechanical secondary carb. Holley or QFT http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-0-82851/

Melling high volume oil pump http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MEL-M77HV/

Rewarder or Bassett headers.

Have fun!

no, my boat had  a stock truck 8 qt for a long time before I spent the $$ on a 10 qt. If you're looking for good quality used parts, call Jim @ Cyclone Marine, it's in my signature line, he'll set you right.

Cool. The pan I have is out of a truck. Looks pretty big. I know the more oil the better, but Im just trying to go for the essentials for the time being.

You will need to check the depth, a jet with a standard driveline can have clearance issues.

I like the Dooley pans and have seen them priced right used..   But Hamburgers are prettier. 

GT

Vessel assist? Isnt that what beer is for? Ill be the one with the sign that says "Will pay beer for a tow" 

Oh I wont.. Tow rig might be a ford, but Im still Chevy at heart! I just sent a bunch of PM for parts I found in the classifieds. Alot of em were old posts though. Hopefully a few will pan out atleast. The ignition system looks like it will be the most expensive thing for this motor.

Started to tear into the motor today... Got this casting number off the heads, 346236, I looked em up and it says open chamber peanut ports.. I have a feeling that isnt good. That also means that Im going to have to get an intake for round port correct?

That or dump those peanut ports for something better.

I love the Dooley pan on the Pickle! PLENTY of clearance compared to the Milodon I put on Moo, but man are they pricey! This is the first I'm hearing on the Hamburger pans. Would love to see some detailed pics of one.

Looks like all good suggestions. Yeah, I would dump the heads and find some 990's or better. Ton's of good oval ports out there and can run with the best of 'em. Here's a pretty good deal I was lookin at for myself!

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/pts/1624577413.html

Rect ports are great, but bring a fat wallet for the good ones. Personally, unless you are restoring a classic 'Vette or Chevelle, I'd leave 'em be and go aluminum.

Ray

990's on flattop pistons no bueno..

I have the heads you need for flattops...Find out what pistons you have or are going to use, I think the heads you have will "work" but you can do better..Oval port heads are torque friendly....Rectangles are RPM friendly...