350 Mag qusetion

[brendanstl]

I just bought a 1989 ebbtide campione from a guy who "forgot" to winterize his boat and I got it for a steal. He claimed the exhaust manifolds, elbows, heads, intake manifold and block were cracked so I figured worst case scenario I would have to find a complete motor. Pulled the motor today and broke it down, heads werent cracked (as far as I can see without taking them to a machine shop), intake manifold wasnt cracked, elbows werent cracked, only port side exhaust manifold was cracked and the block in two spots. I have a complete 350 from a car sitting in my garage, can I use the block and bolt all other parts from the 350 mag to it or do I need to find a block from the same year as the boat had in it originally? Where can I find the same paint they use to paint the marine blocks?

 

[boat127]

Re: 350 Mag qusetion

whats the year difference in between the 2 350's
only real difference between the 2 would be cam, brass core (frost) plugs and a marine head gasket.

 

[cr2k]

Re: 350 Mag qusetion

I would change the cam for sure and install brass core plugs and at if your car engine has shim head gaskets I think you are ok as I believe they are SS. But SS (Stainless Steel Not Super Sport) head gaskets will not rust out.

 

[brendanstl]

Re: 350 Mag qusetion

I am going to use the heads off of the old 350 mag merc so changing the head gaskets would not be a big deal or do I even need to use those heads? I'm trying to keep the hp the same and I don't think I'll get 260 hp from running this stock 350 with a marine cam but I could be wrong? I would also assume that it would be ok to use the cam from the old block as long as everything is ok with it and just find new lifters, do I need a special hydraulic marine lifter?

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: 350 Mag qusetion

As long as the cam is good yes you can use it, and you can even use the same lifters as long as you keep them in order so they go back on the same lobe. (That is critical) Egg cartons work well for keeping them in order.

 

[brendanstl]

Re: 350 Mag qusetion

Should I be concerned with changing out the crankshaft, rods and pistons as well since marine motors do run at a bit higher RPM's than a normal car engine?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 350 Mag qusetion

Should I be concerned with changing out the crankshaft, rods and pistons as well since marine motors do run at a bit higher RPM's than a normal car engine?

Nope,... Shouldn't matter...

 

[brendanstl]

Re: 350 Mag qusetion

Nope,... Shouldn't matter...

Will I still get the same HP if I dont use the crank and the pistons and just the heads, lifters and cam from the old motor?

 

[QC]

Re: 350 Mag qusetion

Yes, should be the same. Cam and fuel system are the important performance pieces for the marine application.