Putting aluminum head on 3.7 or 470

[bigdaddtpugs]

Thinking about putting aluminum head on my motor it's a 88 165 will any ford 460 head work and what will I have to do to it to get it to work . What size valves will in need to run n will I be able to reset my timing back to TDC or will I need to open the exhaust ports so the flow above 100 cc to keep from blowing the head gasket

 

[stonyloam]

Not sure on your questions, but you will need to mill a hole in the end for the water inlet.

 

[stonyloam]

Here is some fun reading: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...70-485.289260/ Not sure you will gain much with an aluminum head, after all a boat engine is basically a truck engine, 44-4600 max RPM. You might see if you could find a 4 bbl carb setup (rare) if you want more HP.. A couple of guys here have put roller rocker arms in their 470's. They look pretty slick. http://www.breezeworks.net/cgi-bin/M...PagePosition=2

 

[stonyloam]

and this: http://www.breezeworks.net/cgi-bin/MBoard/forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=1&TopicID=1743

 

[stonyloam]

In case you are interested, probably a better investment. Than an Al head: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...&_nkw=mercruiser+470+intake+manifold&_sacat=0

 

[bigdaddtpugs]

thinks I was just wounding. not really trying to more HP just did want to have to worry about the heat diff in the two ... I read some on the HAMB with the hot rod guys that's where I found out about running the aluminum head n resetting the timing back to T D C THANKS once again

 

[stonyloam]

Yeah the keys to keeping your head gasket intact are use the OEM head gasket ( got that from the HAMB land speed guys), make sure the head surface is flat, follow the torquing sequence and instructions EXACTLY as stated in the manual, Retorque after bringing the engine up to operating temperature the first time and NEVER EVER LET IT OVERHEAT! Change the impeller every other year and you should be OK. Have fun.

 

[bigdaddtpugs]

Would running d3ve a2a heads help Also would do a poRt job on exhaust side to help relive pressue on head gasket

 

[stonyloam]

The reason 470 head gaskets blow is mostly due to overheating. The iron head and the Al block expand at different rates and breaks the head gasket seal. So if you change the impeller regularly and keep it cool you should be OK.

 

[Scott Danforth]

The floating bores do not help either. Aluminum head wouldn't be a bad idea, however I don't think its worth the hassle. Remember the H.A.M.B is an automotive hot rod (jalopy) site, geared toward cool cars, not necessarily pertinent to boats

 

[bigdaddtpugs]

thanks to u both. So can I put my timing back at TDC if am I running a merCruiser head gasket ? I did rebuild the motor about 3 years.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

I don't think any engine is designed to run with timing at TDC. it needs to be set BTDC, the spark happens before the piston is at TDC.

Anyway, here is a TSB (technical service bulletin) on timing for your engine.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/bullet/87/87_17.pdf

 

[bigdaddtpugs]

Do u know when the bulletin came out just wanted to know

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

The bulletin # is 87-17. That's the date and number for that year.... 1987 and the 17th one in '87


This link has a bunch:
http://www.boatfix.com/bulletins.htm

This download from DonS has all of the 470 TSB's from 1976 thru 1993
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...-i-o-and-inboards/600889-for-all-you-470-guys