BBC Help

[mile2885]

Hi guys, sorry if this is a repeat post but I need some advice. I have a 454 BBC in my jet boat. I bought this boat about 2 years ago. I really don't have a clue what has been done to the engine or how many hours are one it. That make me kind of nervous. The engine runs great. I change the oil religiously. The engine has a mallory unilite distributor, holly carb (I think it's a 750) edelbrock manifold, Bassett headers. Other than that, not sure what has been done do it. I can tell it has been messed with in the past from the silicone on the intake, timing chain cover and pan. I ran the numbers on the block and heads and it is an 86 2 or 4 bolt main. Other than that it didnÂ’t tell me much.
My plan was to pull the engine this weekend and pull/replace the pan with a 9qt pan. What kinds of things should I look for that might indicate I need a rebuild? Should I pull the heads? Any info would help. I just want a semi-fast reliable boat for the summer and want to make sure things are ok. Thanks

[blowngas]

run a quick check of compression or leakdown before you pull it out----if compression is close on all cylinders (not knowing what compression the pistons are) and it seems to run to your satisfaction, then leave the heads alone----measure the clearance of the old pan from the bottom of the boat and make sure the new pan will clear-----if its a go, flip the block and pull the main caps off and check out the bearing wear on the mains and even pull a rod cap or two before you stick the new pan on----why are you wanting to replace the pan with a larger one??-----I know it's always better to have a larger pan with more volume---has your oil pressure dropped lately, or does it drop considerbly after running for a good while?----some of the locals have installed coolers to hold the oil temp down around 120-150----solved alot of low oil pressure problems and not having to run a heavy oil on close clearanced motors----best of luck

[mile2885]

Thanks for the reply. No problems with oil pressure. I was planning on pulling the engine to change motor mounts and have my moutning system powder coated. I figured while I have it out I might as well put in a decent pan for comfort. I don't know how much oil the stock pan holds. I usually put in 5. I'm not sure that the dipsitick on the pan is the correct one.......mainly a comfort thing I guess. I was looking at dooley's ski/jet 10qt. pan. They are on sale for 299. The pan will clear everything. Thanks again for the help

[Fiat48]

I'd say blowngas covered it.

[Sleek26]

I'm hearing those immortal words " If it ain't broke don't fix it".
Lets see you said "The engine runs great" . Why don't you just put the new pan on and leave well enough alone?

[Fiat48]

'Cause mom said "A stitch in time saves nine."