Re: 2.3 ford cracked head
Hey. I had this exact same problem 2 years. ago. you can use an automotive head no problem. You must however use only certain years. The one that i found that is exact is 1989 model year of a Mustang. You just have to transfer over you manifolds. I also switched the cam because I have been told there is a marine cam in there. Honestly i dont know if that is true. I have ran the boat with both cams and could not tell the difference. You will be able to re use your head bolts as well. Update you rocker cover gasket to the rubber one. Also you may want to replace the timing belt. I used automotive a head gasket kit which i believe included the manifold gaskets. I run the boat in fresh water. Have had no problems. I think there is one frost plug in the back of the head that you may want to consider changing to brass, but honestly, again i left it alone. One problem you may run into is the the bolt holes where the automotive thermostat would go and where marine water elbow sit use different holes. The marine elbow goes into a hole that is not used in the auto application I had to drill out that hole and put a heli coil in there. I just could not get it to torque down properly.
hope this helps. If you have any more questions let me know. Maybe i can help.
