So I rebuilt the motor. Its a 468 BBC, flat top piston, nothing special, MSD HEI distributor, dual plane aluminum intake, 049 large oval port heads, hydraulic cam (Duration 292/302, Lift .502/.527), and a Holley 750 DP (4779).

So I cannot get this thing to idle correctly. The closest I can get it is 1200 RPM but it surges 1200-1500 RPM. I started with the adjustment screws all the way in and out 1.5 turns. I am trying to get it to idle to time the thing.

What should the timing be at idle?

What should I do first?

Please help, trying to go to Big River tomorrow.

I am not sure if I have the correct head gaskets for my BBC. The block is 3999289, Mortec says 71-79 2 Bolt 454. I have Fel-Pro gaskets 1037 and it says for blocks with 3 lower coolant holes in the block. Problem is mine only has 1 coolant hole. Are these OK to use or does anyone know the correct ones I need? I am trying to get the motor together and get on the water soon.

I am listing this for my buddy.

Clean turn key Challenger. Freshly rebuilt BBF 460, .590 cam, less than 1 season on brand new Chrome twisty Bassett's OT headers, new Demon carb, new Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, new starter, Optima blue top battery, MSD billet Distributor.

Fresh Dominator pump detailed and blueprinted by Jack McClure of MPD. Loader, Droop Snoot, Manual Place Diverter, Place Ride Plate, basically about $3K worth of pump work.

Newer trailer tires, has bimini, interior still good, gel still shines. This boat was bone stock 3 years ago. Over $10K invested. GPS'd at 70 MPH.

Boat is located in Lake Forest, CA.
$5000
His name is Josh and his cell is (949)290-4880.

Not mine, thought it was a good deal for anyone looking. Unfortunately doesn't fit 460.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Bassett-Ford-FE-marine-boat-headers-jet-v-drive-427-390_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ31285QQihZ018QQitemZ280240662624QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Item number: 280240662624
This is a nice set of used bassett water injected headers for the ford fe family. I think it is called jet coating that is on the headers, a high heat powdercoating with a near chrome finish. Headers Only,  Injection lines and muffler inserts are NOT included. I have injection lines along with the tee valve, pressure reducers and spare fittings from the headers to the lines in a different auction. I do not have good luck with ebay shipping calculator, but am always fair with shipping, the headers are 70lbs from 97504. I have gone to BBC and this is the last of my FE stuff except for a cast aluminum oil pan with integrated water pump and stringer mount. I am cleaning out the shop and will be posting more. These will only fit the FE family, ie 360, 390, 406, 427, 428.  They will not fit the 429/460 engine. This auction is for Headers only.

So I am getting the boat ready for Big River for Memorial. Its a Howard with a 454 BBC. Just rebuilt the carb and installed new fuel lines, fuel filter, and Bassett's. I go to start the boat and the thing cranks for a good 30 seconds or so on off. I know its not gonna start immediately because the fuel needs to prime. I am cranking and spraying WD-40 in the carb ( no starter fluid can't find it), and then it sound like it was about to start then it sounded kinda like a backfire too a little pop sound. Now all I hear is grinding from the starter. Took the starter out to find the nose cone cracked. Its probably the 3rd starter that has cracked in 3 years. I have had 2 that took a sh*t but didn't crack. The last one that cracked was also after a long period of cranking. I just don't know what the problem is. They seem to work well for a while. I have a feeling the little backfire thing caused it to crack but it doesn't really make sense. I have never used any shims because it always seemed to work properly. Oh the thing was hot too when I took it out. Its a reman one from Napa. I just traded it in for one from AutoZone.

Thanks in advance.