Fixing to buy a 351W, need suggestions

I am going to order a new/rebuilt marine 351W RH rotation engine for my 83' SN. I have called around and checked prices and the lowest I have found was 1,175.00 + 150.00 Core through NAPA autoparts. That is the block & heads. Basically I bolt my oil pan, intake, carb, misc. brackets and accessories and ready for the lake. Does that seem like a good deal? I am having to pay the core since my block and heads were cracked from the previous owners. I called a dealer out of Dallas and they priced me at a little over 1,300.00 for the set-up + core.

If anyone has any suggestions on any other places to check out please let me know.

I am also going to switch the engine over to HEI so I can get away from the ancient points system. Thanks

If it can be avoided I wouldn't buy a napa rebuilt engine. The one installed in my boat by a previous owner revealed some pretty spurious rebuilding practices when I had to replace it. I couldnt even save anything from that engine except the heads (those I rebuilt). The rods had been bored out to accept oversized bearings that are not commonly available, one fo the connect rods had been installed backwards (What I believe led to that bearing failure). Caps had the same issue as the rods instead of being resized correctly they were bored out. I don't know how the cam and lifters got into the shape they were in such a short amount of time, even the push rods were an unmatched worn down hodgepodge. At a minumum the PO should have replaced all the freeze plugs with brass. If it was installed better it might have lasted longer than it did (2 seasons), but it was not a quality job, it was something that was meant for getting and old car through a few more years, not to power a classic like yours. Forget about the possible lack of piston wall clearance for your application and that the napa warranty won't apply to a boat.. With the work you have into it I wouldn't take the chance, find a good local machine shop and build one yourself or pay the money to someone building and guaranteeing them specifically for marine use.
-Joe.

http://www.1800runsnew.com/index.html

Check out the above site. I got a rebuilt 351 marine engine from them last summer. I had it installed by Correct Craft. Total of engine, installation, new plugs, wires, hoses, manifold, gaskets,water pump and some piece that mates it to the transmission, $5,700. I also purchased a brand new Holley Carb and Prestolite electronic ignition. The only original part on it is the starter. The flame arrestor is new too. A twenty-hour break in period required, but is flexible.

Good luck,

Ken

http://www.1800runsnew.com/recon_philosophy.htm

More stuff....

I got a short block and had valves done and head resurfaced at local machine shop for around 950. The short block has the exact same rear crankshaft seal (two piece, same part #) as the rear seal that came with the marine gasket set I purchased. ???

I am chimming in late here, but in my oppinion, do not purchase the NAPA engine. It WILL be of dubious quality. There is a reason the cost is only $1100.00.

I think is was mentioned that the block and heads were cracked. If this is the only damage, then I would purchase a used engine from the salvage yard. Then rebuild it (or have it rebuilt) using the marine parts out of your original engine. The block and heads from automotive to marine are identical.