Ford 302 Engine Replacement

[jabroni]

I have a 1972 Ford 302 cid V8 reverse rotation small block engine in my Revel Craft cruiser. I recently bought the boat and after a little research, I found that peak HP is 129. I was suprised to find such little HP for such a large boat(30ft.) and after numerous problems with the engine, I have decided to replace it with a more up to date and powerful motor. Its either find a really good performance upgrades or just replace the engine which I think will be much easier. So I guess my question is, does anyone know of a great replacement motor? And if so, will it be compatible with my velvet drive transmission? Do I really need to find another reverse rotation motor??

[alan white]

It's possible to replace the prop with a reverse one I'd guess. The trannny should work in either direction.

[tuantom]

I thought all the Ford 302's were all 190 or 225 hp; even so, that's not much for a 30' boat. Is it a planing hull?

The easiest and cheapest swap would be to a 351w. It'd just bolt right up and its well within reason to get a reliable 300 hp out of one with the right setup.

[Jango]

Tauntom is correct the 351 will bolt right up. You can even use the 302 mounts etc. You will need to change the Oil pump rotation on the Front of the velvet Drive. Before you install the Trans, remove 4 bolts on the front of the trans, rotate pump and reinstall bolts.

[Lt. Holden]

If you can, go with a 351 or 400 "Cleveland" block. It has angled 4 bolt mains, better lubrication, (bigger)canted valves and good availability of higher performance parts (many of them original Hi-Po Shelby/Ford parts , which are well engineered and made). It is widely used in all sorts of endurance and racing applications with good results.

[Jango]

The 4 bolt mains "Cleveland" Blocks were only available with the Hi Po and some 4 Barrel Engines and are very scarce. In any case, Marine Exhaust is Not Available and would need to be Custom Made. "Windsor" 351 Parts are readily avaiable and if you are willing to purchase custom Heads, BIG HP is available.

[jabroni]

Thanks for everyones advice. The recently found the reason for the many problems with the engine, the oil cooler on the raw water lines was crack and the engine wasnt getting enough cool water. It kept overheating and caused the engine gaskets to break and smoke through the exhaust manifold and valve cover gaskets. Hopefully my guy can fix the problem. He says with a few upgrades, the engine can easily put out 40% more horsepower. So my next question is, how can I achieve this added horsepower without breaking the bank on parts and expensive labor?

[Jango]

I have a 302 Ford in my 20' inboard which is highly modified to 475 HP. In a boat, Torque especially at lower RPM,s is most important. My motor produces 460 lb-ft of torque with over 400 lb-ft at 2000 rpm. Cam selection is important as well as How the engine breaths, in other words GOOD Heads - Aluminum if you can afford it.
There is no easy way to power, but a good ROLLER Torque cam is a good place to start along with cleaning up the intake and exhaust ports on the existing heads.

By the way, I get 87 mph @ 6600 rpm with by boat - 1950# dry weight

[gonzo]

Velvet Drive transmissions work with enginges turning either way. However, you'll have to change the propeller. There is about $400.00 difference between a standard and a reverse turning engine. Reverse rotation engines turn counterclockwise when you are looking at the front (pulleys). It is rare to have a reverse turn single engine because they are more expensive.

[tuantom]

Anything can be fixed.
I doubt you want to spend for an engine like Jango's, so you'll have to settle a bit. So if you're already in for an overhaul, I'd still go to the 351. Not much heavier than what you have and about the same price to rebuild - granted you find a used block cheap.
Might also want to look into gt40 or preferably gt40p heads.

[airbusmike]

We own the 24' key largo 1975 brand new. Original engine was a 302 cid ford Waukasha. About 225 hp. 11 years ago we had put a MerCruiser 265 hp 350 cid. 12/11 pitch on the prop and goes 26 mph.