Engine rebuild question

Ok, I know this question has probably been asked thousands of times, but I can not find a thread that discusses it, so I am asking again.

In my 1980 SN I have a 351 w/reverse rotation. My question is when I rebuild this engine, can I put a standard engine rebuild kit into it, or does it need to be marine specific, and if it needs to be specific, why? If you have any more tips on these engines, that would be helpful also...

Thanks in advance CCF for all the a$$istance you provide. I do really appreciate it.

Use Fel-pro gaskets (auto will work). But you'll need a reverse one piece rear seal.

good luck on the rebuild,1980 should have the 2 piece oil at the rear,these are still available,vince at discount inboard marine,j.a.chambers both can sell a complete PCM lower gasket kit. then all you need is a valve grind set,head gaskets ,valve seals, valve cover gask. all are included in these two sets.word of caution,,,,,buy the stuff that came in your motor,car parts are for cars. if you have a one piece rear main,PCM has discontinued their reverse rotation rear main.happy hunting............boat dr   

How extensive are you going with your rebuild? Pistons? New cam? Yes/No. You'll probably need to tear your's down to determine. How many hours does it have on it now? If you're going to install a new cam, a reverse rotation engine needs a special core/grind. At a minimum you'll want new rod, main, and cam bearings, gaskets, rings, timing set and oil pump. For the bearings, rings, timing set and pump, automotive is fine as long as it's heavy duty or performance. If you need pistons, go with forged or hypereutectic. You should be able to find a kit that has all of this. Remember - HEAVY DUTY! Standard automotive stuff is for grocery getting soccer mom mini-vans. For gaskets, the above advice is good. For your cam, Federal Mogul or Comp Cams are two I can think of at the moment. Hope this helps.

Wow, thats great everyone, I appreciate all the a$$istance. I wasnt aware of the one piece with grooves and such, thank you very much.

As far as the cam, it will remain the same, but I may add a set of AFR heads, just a mild 185's, and a new intake, ARP pistons, have the velvet rebuilt, and see how she does. I dont want to maximize everything now, cause I will probably build it more later. Gotaa have something to look forward to.

Thanks again for all the great a$$istance.