Shopping for a new engine

[gadget73]

yeah, I'm inclined to agree. Who built the motor and how will dictate how much its really worth. If its someone just chucking parts into a clapped out old block, its not worth much. If it was done carefully with properly machined and clearanced parts, its worth 800.

High volume pumps on engines not modified to use them are a bad idea. They can actually starve the motor by pumping so much oil up top before it can drain back properly that the pan will run too low. The oil pressure will also be too high if the oil passages aren't enlarged to deal with it. It makes for more load on the distributor, and can possible tear up the gear or snap pump shafts if its not hardened to deal with the extra load.

"better rings and bearings" than what exactly? What materials and brand?

TRW pistons also means little. Stock HO pistons are forged TRW. They're not exactly special.

"202 160", wtf? valve sizes i'm guessing? in what heads?

[91LTDProject]

Yup, dont think I'll go for it.

[1987cp]

This sounds like somebody's peaky failed project. Completely the wrong cam for a boat.

Sounds to me more like someone just doesn't give a damn enough to actually describe what they're trying to sell, and want someone to just write them a fat check for nothing. I seriously hate sellers like that ....

[Lincolnmania]

wrong valves for a panther too.....you want small valves in a 302 for velocity

[Mercracer]

TRW pistons also means little. Stock HO pistons are forged TRW. They're not exactly special.

TRW was a high quality piston manufacturer. The fact that Ford used them for OEM forged pistons speaks volumes. They are not a lightweight piston but they are a strong reliable forged piston. Factory HO pistons actually are kind of special. They can take all kinds of abuse. Upgrading from them doesn't need to be done for strength purposes. The only reason to do so would be if you wanted a lighter piston for extreme RPM use.
It is too bad that TRW isn't around as an independent entity any more. Many of their pistons were discontinued when they were bought by Federal Mogul.... Federal Mogul screwed AMC and other owners also when they bought Speed Pro. More than just Ford pistons were discontinued.

[gadget73]

TRW was a high quality piston manufacturer. The fact that Ford used them for OEM forged pistons speaks volumes. They are not a lightweight piston but they are a strong reliable forged piston. Factory HO pistons actually are kind of special. They can take all kinds of abuse. Upgrading from them doesn't need to be done for strength purposes. The only reason to do so would be if you wanted a lighter piston for extreme RPM use.

I know they make a good piston, however the fact that it has TRW pistons doesn't mean anything in particular. They could simply be worn out stock pistons with new rings, or they might be in good shape. I'd still be running mine if they fit the holes in the block. Dropping names doesn't mean much. It would be like me saying I have a Crane cam in my motor. I do. It also happens to be a stock Explorer cam, which makes it a whole lot less special sounding.