So it seems that we may have really screwed the pooch on this one. Just checked the compression on about 5 of the cylinders and the needle barely moved. I think we may have hydrod it (I think thats what its called).  I will probably pull the motor out this weekend and check things out. Not sure that I want to be the one to do the repair though if that is what happened. I may be taking it to a shop. Any recommendations of a shop near La Verne let me know.

Looking for  a set of BBC logs and snails. Will consider wet headers. Also still need a BBC ski tow. Still trying hard to get Bebo on the water.

As if today was not hard enough to deal with already we had major setbacks on the float. We have no idea what the hell happened but after some serious late night sessions getting the motor in, wired and plumbed we were ready to start it today. Afterpriming the oil and hooking up the water hose (low pressure) we started cranking the engine over. No fuel was getting to the filter, the enging seemed to be a little bit labored and then disaster... we saw something dripping from the carb. Turns out that it was WATER! I don't know how it happened and we are still looking in to it, but all 8 cylinders fill with water and into the carb.

There was no water in the lifter valley and the intake gaskets were intact. We checked the dipstick and there was no evidence of water in the oil although we have not yet pulled the plug to check the pan.

We removed the logs and snails after installing a new intake gasket and cranked it over again with a very low water pressure to see what would happen. We were getting a water buildup in the cylinders if we waited a little while then cranked it.

Pat (lbhsbz) was a huge help throughout the day taking all my calls and walking us through things. Probably gonna take the motor to him this week to have a look and see where we are from a knowledgeable viewpoint.

Worst thing of all was seeing the dissapointment in Bebo's face. It absolutely dropped. We went from absolute excitement to complete discouragement in a matter of seconds.

I promised him that I will not let him down. He said some very positive things after all was said and done. We will get through this. Sorry for the rant.

Awesome. I will talk to you soon. 

I understand what you are saying. We have been trying to find a way to mount one. We may end up with a different exhaust system right away so that we can find the room to mount one.

We did see a really bitchin low forward mount bracket at a boat shop near our house, but it will not let the front cover go on. Too dangerous to leave that way.

So heres where we are now. We could not find a rotor for the dizzy. Nobody carries them and they are 2 days out. Waiting on a buddy to get home from work who has a stock HEI unit for us to borrow.

Nordie - what issues do you see with not running an alternator? Do you see us having issues with an HEI unit?

Just told Bebo that he might end up with O/T's sooner that I would like.

THANK YOU! I think you just answered all my questions. I am heading home from work in a minute and will take a look, but I think we can make this happen. Woo Hoo!

Hey Brian, good to see you on the boards again!

Trying to do that now. Can't get the plug out of the back port.  Trying not to strip or break anything.

Check box #1 for me.

Not sure Ray. A neighbor of mine's dad used to own a boat repair shop. He has since retired and moved to Havasu, but I believe it came from one of the dad's buddies (via my neighbor). Do you see any major issues or flaws?

I have the same issue and question. We just picked up a 10qt for Bebos BBC and it came with a secondary windage tray. If we need it I will order the bolts to install it. But if it is not absoulutely necessary I would like to hold off for now to keep the cost down for now. It is a stock 454 except for the Melling Torquer Cam (Mild). Whats the consensus guys?

Sorry for the threadjack Riverguy.