62 classic project

My sons have purchased a 62 classic and are going to rebuild the intercecptor 312 or buy a rebuilt 302 ford...we could use some help in making a decission.Is a rebuild on the original engine practical in terms of cost and finding parts or should we part it out and look for a drop in used 302. There is one on ebay now for 899.00 complete ready to drop in.Will the tranny work with a 302 ? all input and sugestions are welcomed.If we part it out...is there anyone interested in parts or the whole engine ( tranny too)? Our main interest is to have a good running boat for the boys...keeping it original is not impotant!
Thanks!!!!

Stang 72,

What pc # (hull #) Is your boat? I have a 63(i think) that has pc-146 (pc stands for plastic craft) I just finished the restore on mine with the original 312 with the side draft 2 barrel carbs. I can hook you up with all the connections for parts if you decide to keep the 312! I love the power of the 312 and the response of the side draft carbs. If you decide to put a different motor in I may be interested in your 312? I think it would be a shame to de-originalize your classic! You can get parts for this motor at most parts store or e-bay ect. ect. trust me I did. The pictures of mine should be up on diaries real soon! I would also suggest upgrading to aftermarket motor mounts whichever motor you decide to go with. I used pcm and these things are heavy duty! let me know if i can help?

Stang72:

FWIW, I have rebuilt many engines over the years. Nearly everyone cost me between $2000.00 and $2500.00 in parts and machine work. I performed all the wrenching. Keep in mind that I am talking about a FULL rebuild which includes: Overbored cylinders, deck surfacing, line boring, new pistons, new camshaft, new sprockets, new oil pump, new lifters, reground valve seats, new valve guides, new seals, new water pump, etc., etc.

You may not need to go this far...it depends on what your goal is. Sometimes, especially with boat engines, a valve job and camshaft/lifters will fix all engine related problems (i.e burned exhaust valves). Only close inspection of the cylinder bores will tell you this information. If the cylinders are in good shape, you can simply hone the cylinder walls, and use the old pistons with new rings. Always replace sprockets and chains.

Here is what I would do first. Check compression on all cylinders. If all are low, then you probably are looking at and overbore and new pistons. If one a more are low compared to the others, then you probably have a valve problem. If this is the case, pull the cylinder head and inspect. This will also give an opportunity to visually inspect the cylinders as well as checking the bore diameter (below wear ridge).

Hope this helps.

Stang,
Glad to see you leaning towards the rebuild. I went to ebay and searched "312 Ford" and found a nice handfull of engine parts you'll need for a rebuild. Also some extra rods, heads, cranks, etc., even a 2-4 BBL intake, and some beautiful chrome valve covers, just in case. Paul can hopefully hook you up with a camshaft source as my guy exhausted it, or maybe you can re-grind yours. When you start seaching for certain specific key parts like that, make sure you let them know it's a reverse rotation engine. I'm jealous.

Paul...just saw your pictures and now we are really inspired!!! Your classic turned out spendid!Hows she feel in the water ?
We have decided to keep the original engine and have it ready for spring. My nieghbor grew up with an interceptor 312 and said it had gone through 4 rebuilds! He strongly recomends keeping the boat original and can guide us along the way. He thinks we will like the power of that bad boy !!!
We should have some idea of what is wrong soon...Monday (labor day ) will be labor day...workin on it then!
I have a couple boxes of parts that were with the boat...pistens, rings carb rebuild kit and a ton of gaskets.
Thanks for sharing pics of your boat!

Stang72,
Im glad ive inspired you in the original direction,I think you will be glad you did especially when you finish your project and your on the lake and you wont be able to make it 200 ft. before someone is flagging you down to ask about your boat! all the work to keep it somewhat original will be worth it! I know I know mine is far from original but just wanted something different than anyone else As for how she feels in the water... 10 xxx better than before with new strut bushings and the major difference was the PCM motor mounts! WOW Rubber mount makes a hell of a difference! and adjustment is a breeze! As you probably know the 312 originally was used in the old thunderbirds and my dad informed me that they are very tough motors. Mine only has 945 hours on it and runs like new after the rebuild!!Stang 72 mine is pc146 and is also stamped on the stringers and motor badge! as for rotation of your 312 if you look on the front of the motor where the timing cover is it should be stamped RH if it is right hand rotation! Right hand rotation means facing rear of motor it turns clockwise, facing front counterclockwise. This is opposite of regular car motors so when rebuilding this thing besure to make sure that you get reverse rotation parts! Someone who knows alot about these old marine 312 motors is a guy by the name of john at DUBY MARINE (716)694-0922 He helped me with alot of carberator & starter parts and seemed to know his sh-t! Let me know if i can help and be sure to forward some before and after pics. GOOD LUCK stang72

ReidP,
We saw that engine too! Hope a member got it ...it went cheep.We did bid on it but the boys have a budget...It would have been great to have all those extra parts!!! Thanks for the alert!
Gary