302 Ford intake

[erikgreen]

I got my engine and sterndrive out of the boat over the weekend (not too much trouble, thanks to those that offered advice). So while I'm waiting for the weather to warm up for fiberglass work, I'm thinking about the engine.

I'd like to put a four barrel carb on for more oomph, but I understand I'd need to replace the intake too. I can get a carb for about $300 or so off of ebay, or a similar Holley from ebasicpower for $400 or so. This price I can put up with since carbs are finicky things, with precision moving parts.

New intake manifolds (which I believe I need to replace with the carb) new seem to cost $600 or so from ebasicpower though. I don't see many used ones on ebay either. Can I use a 4bbl capable manifold for an auto engine or are marine manifolds one of the "marine" parts on my engine?

If I have to use Marine parts, can anyone point me to a source that sells a 4bbl manifold for less than $500 or so? I think I saw someone on here claiming they'd put a 4bbl carb on their engine for less than $200 for both carb and intake?

Thanks,
Erik

PS: I still need to replace my transom from the inside, so I have a ton of work to do before I can work on the engine much, but I'm back to being optimistic about the boat again.

 

[Coors]

Re: 302 Ford intake

Automotive intake will work- go to junkyard and get a used one.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 302 Ford intake

EriK, there is no difference between auto and marine manis. They are one in the same.

There are two possibilities for your manifold. If you are raw water cooled, the best would be the cast iron OEM manifold. Many people who do not boat in salt water claim they are using the Edlebrock 2121 Performer aluminum manifold. I am using that one on my Gulfstream but I have a closed cooling system, running with ethylene glycol.

I just shagged an OEM iron mani, for my Beachcraft 4bbl conversion, off of Craigslist. I paid $50 and had no freight charge. For about 3 7 day cylcles, I posted a WANTED ad in Craigslist Auto parts.

Theoretically, you are not supposed to do this. Wanted items, they say, should only be posted in the WANTED section. But the WANTED section contains every thing conceivable and I doubt too many people who have an OEM manifold laying around would ever see it.

As long as no viewers take exception to your Wanted posting in Auto Parts for Sale, the ad will stand for the 7 day cycle.

It is the people who would be looking for auto parts that are the most likely ones to have an OEM mani hanging around.

Aluminum manifolds are lighter and cheaper to ship. I do see them on ebay from time to time. I don't think people put the iron ones on because they cost too much to ship. In any event you would be more likely to pay more for a used Edelbrock.

You don't want to get an RPM Performer or any similar high rpm intake.

For your Craigslist ad:

WANTED: OEM SBF cast iron 4 bbl intake Manifold


I need a stock Ford 289/302 iron 4 bbl intake manifold for my boat.
Please call Eric @ xxx xxx xxxx with your price.

You could try your local wrecking yards, but in my neck of the woods their were none to be found. We even have a large engine recycler, where you can get head and block replacements and all other manner of bracketry and other motor parts. They told me that they had not seen an OEM 4 bbl manifold in ages. After all, they have not used them for over 20 years.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: 302 Ford intake

Wow, you even typed up the Ad for me

Can I get you to help me find a woman who likes boats? Dunno if a craigslist ad will work though

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 302 Ford intake

...Can I get you to help me find a woman who likes boats?

If'n I could, I'd likely keep her for myself.8)

Craigslist is worth a try, what we have here is a 100% batting average of success (mine). Go to CL AutoParts and do a search for WANTED. You will see that quite a few people are doing it.

 

[vrod02]

Re: 302 Ford intake

I would suggest a edlebrock over the holley. Mark A.K.A.F-in turned me in this direction and Im very pleased. If you go with alum. intake try the airgap edle. there on ebay.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 302 Ford intake

I would suggest a edlebrock over the holley. Mark A.K.A.F-in turned me in this direction and Im very pleased. If you go with alum. intake try the airgap edle. there on ebay.

Would advise against the above mentioned manifold for your boat. It is a high rpm street manifold, not suitable for the torque range of a marine motor. Here is a C&P off of the edelbrock site:

[colour=red]Ford 260-289-302 V8
RPM AIR-GAP 302 (1500-6500 rpm)
Designed for street 289-302 c.i.d. Ford V8s, the RPM Air-Gap incorporates the same race-winning technology that's been used on our Victor Series competition intakes for years.[/colour]

This manifold is for higher rpm and hotter cams (higher torque curve) that you could possibly use in a low rpm, low torque range required engine. You need an intake that has good idle characteristics and delivers it's efficiency up to the 4500-5000 rpm range that a boat operates in. See next, from Edelbrock site:

[colour=blue]Ford 260-289-302 V8
PERFORMER 289 (idle-5500 rpm)
Designed for street 260-289-302 c.i.d. Ford V8s without EGR. #2121 is stock replacement/street legal part for 289 and 302 V8s with OEM 4V carb.; [/colour]

If you're going to go aluminum, this is the only one to use, however the OEM iron intake is going to be the most efficient at the 0-3600 rpm pulling range, where the boat needs it's pulling power and commonly operates within. Plus they were designed for glass smooth, low idle, which is what your outdrive really needs for shifting. Plus, with a little patience, you are liable to pick one off cheaper than you will find any of the Edelbrocks.

With a torquey marine cam and the load characteristics of a boat, that air gap is going to be a relative turd from 0-1500 rpm, right at the start of where you need it most.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: 302 Ford intake

Well if your going that far i will post a link for you, basically it's a truck engine mod, it would be intresting to see Bondo's or Don's take on such a adventure.


http://www.sporttruck.com/techarticles/132_0110_horsepower_upgrade/

 

[180shabah]

Re: 302 Ford intake

With the right combination of cam, heads and intake 250-260hp from a 4.3 is not unrealistic. However, just like with any other engine used in a boat you need to pay attention to LSA on the cam. You DO NOT want to suck the water out of the exhaust back into the engine.

 

[180shabah]

Re: 302 Ford intake

Oh, I forgot to mention that you will still have a hundred fewer pounds in the a$$ end than if a 305 were used.