Scrap, I've got a 181 Mercruiser/4-sp in my Model A 2-door. The bellhousing flange is the same as for the '62-up sixes and SBC V8s. I've had two of these before and they can really be made to run, while still get pretty good mileage.
Here's what I've done to the one I have now:
1. Pocket-ported the head and installed hard exhust valve seats, w/1.94" intakes and 1.50 exhaust stainless, swirl-polished valves. New double-wound springs were used, too.
2. Cam: (I recommend NOT using the marine cam, as they seem to have very weak low-end performance) I had a stock Chevy II 153 cam reground and hardened by a can grinder in Georgia. The specs are: Duration is 252 degrees (intake) 264 degrees (ex) or, 205 degrees (in) 214 degrees (ex) @ .050". The lift is .502" for the intake and .525" on the exhaust. The engine really pulls hard at low RPM, but will rev quickly and has a lot of mid-range power.
3. Carburetion: I bought two progressive two-barrel carbs from Tom Langdon and built my own intake (water-heated). They work great!
4. Headers: homemade, too.
5. The engine was bored and flat top 9:1 pistons used. New, stock configuration oil pump installed. I also had the rotating mass ballanced, but that was probably wasted money for a 4-banger.
6. Ignition: Bought a rebuilt HEI distributor from Tom Langdon. I could actually feel the difference in power and starting over old point-type distributor.
Hope this gives you some ideas. E-mail me and I'll send you some pictures of it. drh@digital-link.net
