Non Vortec to Vortec swap.
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I have a 79 Formula F18 with a Merc 260. I got a set of reconditioned Vortec 350 heads for $250 from a machinist buddy. I have a few questions that I have not been able to answer with the search button. I am going to use Fel Pro 17030 - Fel-Pro PermaTorque Multi-Layer Steel Head Gaskets. Can I re-use my stock head bolts? Then I am brought to the intake manifold. I would like to use a Performer Air-Gap manifold. My question with the manifold is the water neck mount appears to be about an inch higher than stock, will my stock water circulating hose reach it? I dont want to eliminate the circulating pump.
So my setup will be a stock shortblock, vortec heads, edelbrock intake, edelbrock carb, and GLM exhaust. What do you guys think?
So my setup will be a stock shortblock, vortec heads, edelbrock intake, edelbrock carb, and GLM exhaust. What do you guys think?
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Location: Between A Womans Leggs in IL
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I have a 79 Formula F18 with a Merc 260. I got a set of reconditioned Vortec 350 heads for $250 from a machinist buddy. I have a few questions that I have not been able to answer with the search button. I am going to use Fel Pro 17030 - Fel-Pro PermaTorque Multi-Layer Steel Head Gaskets. Can I re-use my stock head bolts? Then I am brought to the intake manifold. I would like to use a Performer Air-Gap manifold. My question with the manifold is the water neck mount appears to be about an inch higher than stock, will my stock water circulating hose reach it? I dont want to eliminate the circulating pump.
So my setup will be a stock shortblock, vortec heads, edelbrock intake, edelbrock carb, and GLM exhaust. What do you guys think?
So my setup will be a stock shortblock, vortec heads, edelbrock intake, edelbrock carb, and GLM exhaust. What do you guys think?
that intake will work fine,,if you feel that you have to stretch it to get it to fit you can either order one for a big block or cut the hose and put a piece of copper pipe between it to legnth it..
also make sure you use the stock self aleighing rocker arms,you cant use a non vortech rocker like the ones that came on the stock engine ,,,they will fall off center of the tip of the valve.
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yes those,,the holes in the head that the pushrods go through keep then straight..also but new head bolts,,their cheap and make sure they are sealed,,some of the holes go into water passages and will get into the oil if they are not sealed..
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Parts list is getting long, head gaskets, head bolts, intake gaskets, intake bolts, carb gasket, exhaust gaskets, centerbolt valve covers, valve cover gaskets, and rockers. wow i thought this would be cheap. I assume these are the bolts ?
Last edited by 79formula; 03-31-2013 at 10:31 PM.
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the most popular and the cheapest for bying parts!
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Don't skimp on the head bolts...get new ones...you'll be glad you did.
I think you will be happy with the results you get using the Vortec heads and intake. You will pick up 50~60 horse and about as much torque...and you will feel that. If you can swing it go for a Holley or Quick Fuel Mechanical Secondary Carburetor....better throttle response and better fuel economy.
With the right tuning and prop you have 65 MPH potential with that power in that boat....the F-18 starts to chine walk at about 60 so hold on tight. If you haven't done it already put a set of Bennett Trim Tabs on that boat. I had the same boat in '77 thru '86 and that made a tremendous difference in the way my F-18 handled and rode.
![](http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww52/sprink49/F-18-1.jpg)
I think you will be happy with the results you get using the Vortec heads and intake. You will pick up 50~60 horse and about as much torque...and you will feel that. If you can swing it go for a Holley or Quick Fuel Mechanical Secondary Carburetor....better throttle response and better fuel economy.
With the right tuning and prop you have 65 MPH potential with that power in that boat....the F-18 starts to chine walk at about 60 so hold on tight. If you haven't done it already put a set of Bennett Trim Tabs on that boat. I had the same boat in '77 thru '86 and that made a tremendous difference in the way my F-18 handled and rode.
![](http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww52/sprink49/F-18-1.jpg)
![](http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww52/sprink49/F-18-3.jpg)
Last edited by sprink58; 03-31-2013 at 11:21 PM.
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boy is that a sleeper too. except for the word Formula on the side, it looks like every other square-windshielded late 70's small boat where the handling above 60 mph is not EVER gonna be an issue...