Engine Rebuild

[keoni5]

Hey there guys, I have scoured the internet and forums looking for insight into what I should do and now I'm just going to throw it out there to you folks. My engine has 3000 hours and is in need of a rebuild (don't know the extent as I haven't torn it down). The engine has had a tough life, been in salt water etc. I have spoken to engine rebuilders and they make me nervous. I am comfortable doing the work but I'm just not sure if it makes sense given the amount of hours and what not of the engine. Would much rather buy a short or long block that has been built correctly. Any recommendations? I live in northern california and am just looking for some guidance.

[Quinner]

Is it standard or reverse rotation? What model boat? Do you want more HP?? Lot's of questions.

Might suggest you post this on www.CorrectCraftFan.com also, many gearheads over there.

[keoni5]

Standard rotation, it's on my 2000 AN gt40, 351w would like gt40p heads instead but nothing else really.

[Quinner]

Believe the GT40 already has P heads. I would start by getting the motor pulled and opened up to see exactly what you are dealing with. Sounds like a good winter project, doh.

[TRBenj]

Come on CQ, try and keep up!

P-heads never came on any marine engines. All PCM Pro Boss engines (1992-2002) got GT40 heads. P's are a smart change, as they flow a little better, have smaller combustion chambers (so a slight CR increase), are readily available for not much money, and dont seem to be prone to external water jackets cracking like the regular GT40's.

I would find a good local shop to rebuild what you have rather than ordering a longblock from a high volume manufacturer. Or, if youre ok with spending a little more money, get a high quality stroker long block from Fordstrokers.com.

[Neverenough]

Id love to give you a hard time about a ford engine but 3000 hours is incredible! That said and that many hours you definitely want to do a long block or replace heads. Check with local hot rod shops and see who the best machine shop is in town. the bad shops will have a reputation. Most of the marine dealers here use Jasper rebuilds. Not sure if they would make since shipping to CA but they are reliable. Being a marine application you want to use brass freeze plugs.