Before I send it to the machine shop...

I was given a complete 1987 Ford 302 that had been pulled from a 20 ft Shamrock that was being repowered.

This will be my winter project, I plan on rebuilding the engine (whether it needs it or not, but I bet it needs it) because I have never done this. I figure it will give me a good education and when all is said and done, I may have something cool I can use in my 78 SkiTique when the day comes...

So, how far down do I need to strip the block so it can be checked for cracks, etc? I am a$$uming something went wrong with this engine, otherwise these people would not be spending the money to repower.

Thanks.

be careful on the engine's rotatin too. Most likely it's a std rotation engine. If it came out of a twin engined boat then it might be a reverse rotation motor if it came from the starbard side (pa$$enger) you should be ok just pay attaintion to the pistons and mark them for cyl # and direction so that the rist pin is in the same place. Then again maybe .020 or .030 oversized pistons wouldn't be bad along with a new eagle crank that would generate some power.

69- sounds like a fun winter project!
Strip it all the way down. The machine shop should hot tank the block (clean) and magnaflux it (checks for cracks). It's been a while since I've had this done, memory may be off slightly.open for corrections here guys..
To "mark" your parts, use a number stamp (punch that imprints the #) on rods, etc.

Thanks guys -

Joe, that is what I thought, but I didn't think about extra costs, thanks for that.
79, it is a RH rotation engine, I will research eagle cranks.
David, I would not have thought about that!
Barracuda, more good advice and my 78 Tique porpoises as well - girlfriend won't sit up front unless she is driving. "Honey, does this boat make me look fat?..."No, but if you don't move up here you better go on a diet."
Jimbo, did a little stroker research and I like the idea. Can anyone recommend a kit?

Thanks again.

Yeah, I've got strokin' on the brain since that 350 chevy came available. Guess I should check to make sure my stringers aren't getting soft!