It would be worth the 80 bucks just for the roller items.

Does your 88 have center bolt valve covers? If so the flywheel will be the same (1 piece rear main) and the starter will interchange (it should even if it is an earlier block). That being said, I would spring the money and upgrade to the small gear reduction starter while the motor is out. That way if it craps out it is easier to change than the older, larger starter.

My engine is a hodge podge of parts. It has older style valve covers and a choke stove on a Rochester carb. I did run the block number once, IIRC it was a 2 piece block. I'm gonna peek at it tomorrow morning.

Even if my block is a one piece rear main, i want an engine I know is solid. Everything the shop I bought it from said was a lie. This boat had a car water pump on it, the impeller wasn't changed as claimed, the wiring looked like Ray Charles did it....and so on.

Here's my block specs....

14010207
80-85
350
car & Truck 2 & 4-Bolt Passenger

Ok, took your advice guys and called a stock car buddy. He has a couple sets of heads and a few intakes I can get ALL for cheap. I will be grabbing them tomorrow. I also pulled the engine on my boat today. I will upload pictures tomorrow.

So we pulled the engine yesterday. Here's some photos....

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps10da03f8.jpg

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...psaadb9990.jpg

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps04960105.jpg

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc62a4aa5.jpg

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse29380f6.jpg

As you can see, it's an older engine in an 88 boat. Also, you can see the cracks in the one engine mount that I pumped full of two part epoxy. I hope to make an exploratory cut within the next few days, before I put up the boat for the winter.

If you are still going with newer 1 piece rear main block you will need a flywheel and coupler. The starter will work as long as you stay with the same tooth count flywheel.

I didn't think I'd need a coupler, thanks for the advice. Too bad, my old one looks like new.

Okay, 1 more thing, if you have a newer style bellhouse (you say you have some mis match parts) that went with the 1 piece block you can use the newer triangle style coupler. If you have the old style 2 piece bellhouse, you have to get the retro-fit one piece coupler because the new style won't fit in the older smaller bellhouse. The retro fit coupler can be used in the new style bellhouse though. Hope this makes sense.

My coupler is a triangle. And my bell housing is a one piece with the small inspection cover in the front.

Thanks!!

Any chance there is an extra set of heads that can be purchased?