A buffalo’s first bowtie

If you talk to them again please get a part number for the conversion kit if you can. I am not sure when I am going to get a chance to call around and ask. I have always liked crane cams. By the way one more thing to think about, will you have room under the stock valve covers for roller rockers?

nuttyskier2002 wrote: Eric, is PCM the only marinizer company that manufactured RH rotation engines on a production scale? I'm talking other than Chris Craft of course.

Almost every marinizer of engines made RH's. One of the only exceptions that I can think of is the V6 Buick that Universal made. The practice started in the late 50's when early V8's were mounted flywheel forward just like the earlier in-lines. Problems with cranks breaking started to pop up because the flywheel forwards were pulling all the power out of the weaker PTO end. So they turned the engines around but since the prop manufacturers were all tooled up for RH, it was easier to create a RH engine!

8122pbrainard wrote: nuttyskier2002 wrote: Eric, is PCM the only marinizer company that manufactured RH rotation engines on a production scale? I'm talking other than Chris Craft of course. Almost every marinizer of engines made RH's. One of the only exceptions that I can think of is the V6 Buick that Universal made. The practice started in the late 50's when early V8's were mounted flywheel forward just like the earlier in-lines. Problems with cranks breaking started to pop up because the flywheel forwards were pulling all the power out of the weaker PTO end. So they turned the engines around but since the prop manufacturers were all tooled up for RH, it was easier to create a RH engine!

That is more believable than to offset the balance, although that may have been a good unintended consequence.

It probably tilted to the right so much because Indmars are known for their massive amount of torque.

Guys, the block is cracked. I guess I should feel fortunate to have gotten a few seasons out of it...but I don't.
Looks like I'll be shopping for a block or a long block or something?!!?

I need some pointers again...Yall don't shoot me. I found 1 place that has some used 454's for $850. I found a few others online a little cheaper. Can I use any block or are there certain ones I need to look for...how about a 454 series that was roller from the factory?

I think I follow where 87 was going with the pcm tranny, but I have a brand new one!

BuffaloBFN wrote: I'd consider standard rotation, but Eric just built my 10-18 in july?!!?

Im not jumping on the LH rotation bandwagon yet, but I believe the BW can be indexed for either rotation.

BuffaloBFN wrote: nuttyskier2002 wrote: since you need a new block, might a well go with a newer one that is cast to fit the production roller cam setup. Nutty, I was typing when you were. Do you have a casting #'s book for chevy? I'd consider standard rotation, but Eric just built my 10-18 in july?!!?

Sorry I don't. All my stuff is for SBCs. Eric sounds like your best source.

Eric are any of those blocks you can get cast for the factory roller? Did that start the same year as the SBCs ('87)?

Oh yeah Eric what fuel systems is on the 502.

Buffalo if you can find a used running 454 for $850 you should jump on it. Around my area they are $1K and above. That's a non roller block.

Thanks all for the input...
I've talked to everyone I could around here today, and what I've found is that there aren't so many 454's out there and if someone has a 4 bolt they probably won't sell it.

Eric, I appreciate the offer and I'm surely gonna need everyone's help sorting this out. I'm going to get it in the morning.

TRBenj wrote: assuming the new one isnt a roller.

If it is a roller, then the parts from the 2 motors don't mix? The blocks are different as well?

Is the guy going to give you some kind of warranty that the block is not cracked, or some other problems with the motor. Buying a motor from a private party can be expensive, if they don't tell you the whole story. Something doesn't sound right he put a new crank in it and had head work done to it then, went with a 502. Just be carefull and ask what he will if you run into any problems with the motor, cracked block, cracked heads.

Greg, as jim said be careful but Big block stuff is a whole new world. $500.00 is a hell of a deal and it would be hard to get hurt at that price. small block stuff is a dime a dozen and people hoard the BB stuff and it tends to get pricey. again ask the guy if it has rectangular heads or ovals, everybody wants the rectangulars and remember with your purchase you also have parts that could fetch a return on this motor. hopefully the one your looking at is a roller but chances are its from a mid 80's boat and probably isnt

My block has 4 cracks in the top of the lifter gallery(right term?), so I'll drop it at the scrap yard on my way out of town and pick up a casting #'s book as well.

Eric, that 502 sounds interesting...and drop in for $2000 or less. That might be a less expensive way to go, but how much more gas does that burn? It probably has a carb the size of a small house on top of it. Maybe the 454 stickers would help it burn less?!!?

From the info I have, if all I get for $500 is a good block then I'm still not hurt. My read on this guy selling the HO is that he mostly wants it out of his way and was looking for a good excuse to upgrade his motor. He also said he had the heads off for inspection...not sure what that might indicate. This might be a complete bust or a small gold mine.

Eric, I'm taking your shop # for backup!
'Till later...

you said yours had 2500 hundred hours and by what your describing was pretty tired and probably required alot more gas to run...a fresh motor who knows.... it may be less it may be more, all i know is my suburban with a BBC gets 10 mpg going down hill, on a good day, and it sits cause no one wants to drive it because of the gas.