Rebuilt 351 pics

Tim, that looks really nice. The rebuild specs sounds like it's a really strong motor. Nice detail. New hoses will definitely make it more impressive but nicely done. I think you stated in another post that it's in a Ski Brendella. Doesn't matter. As was told to me when I first got on here, as long as you have a passion for old boats and keeping them looking and running as most of the other guys in this forum, you'll be fine. Might take a little good natured ribbing sometimes but it's all in fun. Most guys like us who have off-brand boats don't have the luxury of a site like this to be able to get info and help when you need it, or to just show off your pride and joy a little bit. These guys appreciate the time and effort it takes to make them look and perform like you want your Brendella to. You'll be amazed at what some of these guys do with their rides. They continually impress me!

Why didn't you paint the exhaust?

sjpitts, the fuel pressure regulator is a just a holley regulator that you can get from any speed shop. I have to run it because the high performance fuel pump pushes 8 psi, which is more than the holley carb needle and seat can hold (floods the carb). I set the regulator at 5.5 psi, and my motor never leans out on the top end. As for marine certification...I'm not sure, maybe some of the other guys on here would know. I know it is all threaded unions for the pressur guage, and multiple barb fittings with hose clamps for the fuel line. I would think if the rubber fuel line would pass, then why shouldn't the regulator.

Tim D, as for the manifolds, it was a few reasons not to paint. Got too hurried in getting the motor together, and I am hoping to get all aluminum exhausts from JA Chaimberlain soon.

JoeinNY, I don't know what to tell you about the Landcruiser. BTW, wasn't it you that was building the 408 stroker??? How's that goin'?

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Rubber fuel line, unvented non-marine fuel pump, plastic fuel filter, non-marine regulator, automotive water pump, pressure gauge with moving brass tube prone to fatigue, aimed at the skeptical distributer with vacuum advance dashpot. Chebby straight boot wires.
Doesn't hei ignition and spiral core wires cause a rift in the space-time continuum?

Sorry to be mr. bummer, but thats an abortion. Spend less time covering the Morse cables, and get it safe.

GottaSki, your abortion comment is a bit much, and you can keep that comment to yourself. To address some of your concerns, these pics were a bit premature and were taken during cam break-in in my front yard with the engine cover up always. There now is no plasic fuel filter, the vacuum advance now has a permanent block-out with no canister, and the regulator is mounted down around the fuel pump. Yes, it is a auto water pump because I wanted aluminum and i wanted the volume that it pumps...so what it's not marine. The plug wires were from one of my race motors, and they had hei boots. Why buy more wires? As for the pressure gauge, maybe you're right...don't know what to tell you. The covers were on the cables when I bought the boat and I haven't removed them because the cables need replacing and look crappy. If you would like to send me the cables or couple hundred bucks to replace, I will gladly do so. Since when is an HEI distributor a skeptical distributor...far better than any crappy ignition system Ford has ever produced. If there is anything else you would like a comment on, feel free to jump in again.

exactly,
Sure, I have more comments. Ever kids in that boat? Other people's kids? Tell their parents you saved a buck or two but the engine looked pretty, if their kid is in the burn ward or in a box, they'll understand, speedracer.

But your condition is curable, we can fill in the blanks whenever you want to stop defending those components.

IF you had the right fuel pump, the regulator is unnecessary. Hard lines on pressure side of pump. etc.

79, wow, I am really surprised to see you jump in with your banter and sarcasm (that was sarcasm if you didn't know). To address your concers: Again, the T-handles are something from the PO that I reused until I can find some PCM valve covers. I do have a trick to get to the bottom bolts, and I would be glad to share. As for the CC, no it's not, and I never said it was. You gonna kick me out of the forum, it's an 88 Ski Brendella. It's what I could afford at the time, and I like the low profile.
BTW, I have appreciated your help previously, no joke.

boat dr:
1 I will work on the fuel pump replacement
2 As in my earlier post, fuel filter already eliminated. Water seperator was already in place before, but for initial break-in (in my yard with cover open) I wanted to make sure there was no trash entering carb.
3 Brass elbows are on my list along with the new water/exhaust hoses.
4 As well, in my earlier post tonight, the vacuum advance now has a permanent block off, eliminating the canister.
5 I know that mallory made alot of the components, but you have to admit that the HEI unit is one of (if not the best) best stock ignition systems ever made. Very easy to install, and I know the system very well. Many years of GM musclecars and racing.
6 I can take the sarcasm and my feelings do not get hurt easily. I can banter with the best of you, and I hope that I can continue to do so. However, I do think there is a level we can maintain for civility, maybe like 80% rather than full throttle.
7 As for helping, you have already helped me a couple of times in another thread, as well as me reading your past posts. I truly appreciate that. I am taking your concerns and making corrections, just as I already have most of these corrected.

Gotta Ski, really....again. okay. My condition is incurable, so says my wife (lol). I am working on replacing the fuel pump, as well as I guess eliminating the regulator (I like being able to see the pressure, but now I know). As for the fuel line, I will visit NAPA in the morning for stainless line, break out my tubing bender, flare tool, and make me a fuel line to make you happy.

Racintj, if you decide to take the risk and use that automotive HEI distributor you will not get optimum performance with it. The reason for that is your distributor is not designed to have enough mechanical advance for a marine application. The 351W likes to see somewhere around 32 degrees total advance (some here prefer more) by 3000 RPM. With your automotive distributor it takes the mechanical and vacuum advance both working to achieve that. With the vacuum diaphram blocked you will only get around 22 to 25 degrees total. Believe me, I've tried this very thing before. It takes a lot of mods to this distributor to get it to advance enough. And then the curve won't be right (unless you are extremely lucky). It's alot of work and it's just not worth the risk. Then after you do all that to this distributor it's worthless for use anywhere else. But don't dispare. DUI makes a marine HEI distributor for the 351W. Part # is M35820. It's not cheap ($355.00). But it'll give you some peace of mind. Good luck with getting your boat up to USCG standards. Nice detail work with your motor! Brian

79, I do have thick skin and I can take it, so keep dishing out. I may just respond with the same. I am learning as I go here, and as I said before, I truly appreciate all the help. I have addressed most of the issues. I shouldn't have posted those pics, but I was nudged to do so by some others. This was before it ever hit the water. YES, the carb is a marine unit. The same one most are running on here. Holley 4160 600cfm, vacuum secondaries, J-vent tubes, marine carb.

Nutty, I'm not a novice on the HEI. I know what you are saying about the vacuum advance, but not true with mine. Permanent block off on mine now, and I have recurved the dist. I can easily get 36 degrees advance with a little custom weights and springs (reshape the weights and play with springs).

jbear, I live one block from Lake Hunter in Lakeland. Easy for me to put in there. I like to go to the Chain in Winter Haven, when there is water in the canals. I see you're from Lake Wales. Where do you ski? Crooked Lake? Thanks for the reply.

79, that is the chain I am talking about, but right now the lakes are very low and most of the canals aren't deep enough.

Thanks jbear, for not crucifying me just cause I don't have a CC. I know where Elbert is, used to do alot of footing there when I went to PCC just down the street. I've forgotten where buckeye is, I will have to look it up. I here the water is coming back a little with our rain, but still not there. I would love meet at Harborside sometime, I have 2 friends with 76 and 82 SN, and they would love to join as well. Take care.

Tim J