Re: Replacing twin small chevys with twin small fords?
 

If you decide on the boneyard route I looked in my old Clymer shop manual 1964-1985 edition and it showed merc 888 drives with 302 a ford 1972 thru 1976. It also showed 233 and 255 merc drives with a 351 ford in 1972 and 1973.

Re: Replacing twin small chevys with twin small fords?
 

I'd like to know exactly where I mentioned Ford vs. Chevy, I was simply making the point that reducing CI and maintaining/improving performance while holding rpms down is difficult.
I was suggesting you go with bigger CI, that is all Thanks for the flames!!!!!

Re: Replacing twin small chevys with twin small fords?
 

I have always been a Chevy fan, but I saw a episode on "Spike TV or Speedvision" about a engine building competition where the prize or score is based on a combined total of Hp and Torque that was averaged on a couple of dyno. runs. The guy that won (2 yrs straight) did it with a 351 cu. in. stoked single card Ford. The motor was auctioned off on Barret - Jackson. The hp was in the neigborhood of 600+ and torque was in also close to 600 ft. lbs. I think it's great to do something different. Go for it !! and keep us posted.

Re: Replacing twin small chevys with twin small fords?
 

This thread may outlive the idea.

Woody is looking at a sweet boat right now, and if he goes that route he will keep the new SBCs in that boat.

I have had a bunch of email back and forth with Woody this week.
I can guarentee that he was not trying to flame anybody or get flamed.

He just wanted a real tech discussion based in fact about the challenges that might face a guy making this kind of swap.

He did not want to start a Chevy vs. Ford thread. When it started going that direction, he probably got frustrated. I would have too.

No reason for this thread to be heated.

It did bring up some interesting points.

Re: Replacing twin small chevys with twin small fords?
 

They are both dying breeds. GM went from making 1 to 3 engines for their domestic US market in China. Every Equinox engine is completely made in China with a labor rate of $0.50 per hour (this is a ture figure). The $30 per hour Union days are almost gone. Harley Davidson is 48% foreign parts. I have a 302 Ford (Mustang GT) and a 350 Chevy (Boat). All I can say is they are both dying breeds.

As mentioned many times just look for Ford 888 bellhousings. The Ford marine manifolds and such wil be pricey if you want go-fast and not old style. Heck let me know I have some 302 stuff to donate to your cause.

If they ever quit on you you will never hear the end of it.

Re: Replacing twin small chevys with twin small fords?
 

The old 888 Bell housing was I believe 16" center on the rear motor mounts.All the late model Alpha and Bravos have a 9" center so if you find the bell housing also look for the inner transom plate to match.Now if you are putting this on a late model Alpha or Bravo the inner plate will require some grinding.I think I read in a magazine that someone out in Cali was building Eliminator boats with BBF and bravos maybe someone on here would know.I love Fords and have raced mustangs for years so I think it would be cool to see something different.

Re: Replacing twin small chevys with twin small fords?
 

:evilb: Im leaving friday night to get it. Yes this wasnt a Ford vs Chevy thread at all, although it turns out like that 99% of the time. The fact is that I have no less than half dozen 302-351 and 460 blocks, endless cranks, old CJ heads, Blue Thunder heads and the list goes on and on, all Ford parts as thats what I do. With the advent of this new purchase this thread will outlive the idea as far as the other boat is concerned, but it will not stop me from having twin Fords in a boat shortly down the road. Time will tell. And as for chevy and ford being a dying breed, I disagree 110%, you will never see people ogling over some lame OHC honda engine, numbers matching in 20 years like they still do with Detroit Iron. Although I will say Chevy is in a serious slump and the outlook is bleek right now if your a stock watcher, as in dow jones, nasdaq. But before I keep going uselessly, thanks everyone for the info. :D

Re: Replacing twin small chevys with twin small fords?
 

Good luck on the pull. That's gonna be a long one.

If you come up with a couple good SBCs along the way of the Ford project, let me know.

Be sure to post pics when you get the boat.

Re: Replacing twin small chevys with twin small fords?
 

Woody
Do you have any 302 2 bl. intakes Iron (non salt ) need 2.
Also a source for cast iron timing cover's . I found one they are asking 1100$ for 2, you would think they would want to get rid of 42 year old part's.
Thanks
Richard

Re: Replacing twin small chevys with twin small fords?
 

The intakes may be an issue, normally dont have 2 bbl stuff but will take a peek for what you are looking for.