Setting up a 351 Cleveland as a Marine Engine

jchris77

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Aug 27, 2003
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How much difference is there in the power curve of an automobile engine and a marine engine? If possible is there anyway to change over and install all the needed marine parts into an Ford 351 so it can be installed in a boat? I have a Ford 351 Cleveland that is sitting around with nothing to put it in and my boat motor is shot. Any possibility of using it?
 

ZmOz

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Aug 13, 2003
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Re: Setting up a 351 Cleveland as a Marine Engine

Pretty much every marine engine uses a GM or Ford block. Also many many older boats with inboard engines are a standard big block chevy/ford. You definatley can use it...I don't know what parts you'll have to change, but it won't be much.
 

snapperbait

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Aug 20, 2002
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5,754
Re: Setting up a 351 Cleveland as a Marine Engine

A couple issues face the cleveland engines...<br /><br />#1 will it bolt up to whatever type of outdrive or transmission you have? <br /><br />#2 exhaust manifolds for a 351 cleveland are going to be difficult to find... If it was a windsor block and cylinder heads, finding manifolds would be no problem<br /><br />#3 A marine distributor may also be a challange to find..<br /><br />If you find all the parts to make it happen, get a good truck or RV type camshaft... That'll give you the low to mid range torque you'll need...
 

JB

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Mar 25, 2001
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Re: Setting up a 351 Cleveland as a Marine Engine

Moving to I/O and Inboard
 
D

DJ

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Re: Setting up a 351 Cleveland as a Marine Engine

Ditto snapperbait.<br /><br />Also, marine engines used brass or stainless steel casting (freeze) plugs.
 

jim dozier

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Jan 8, 2003
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1,970
Re: Setting up a 351 Cleveland as a Marine Engine

Replace the steel freeze plugs in the block and cylinder head with brass freeze plugs.
 

mkast

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Nov 6, 2002
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1,934
Re: Setting up a 351 Cleveland as a Marine Engine

You can use the auto engine IF you use a marine starter, alternator, distributor, water pump and carb. The RPM range is different so you'll need another cam and lifters. Use the marine gasket kit, the exhaust manifolds might be tough to find. If you do find them they'll be $$$.
 
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