ARP head studs, an absolute must because of the intense pressure exerted by the roller cam, are used to keep the gaskets intact Note the deburring work on the lifter gallery. oil. Plugs such as Motom or Autote that are two heat rames cooler than stock work best As far as all goes, Penzoil 2550 Racing should perform well. Remember to always change the oil and lter every 20 in % hours. mostly because of contaminants. When the 540 Ford engine wasusedtopowerafew mid- size beats. it proved a great per former. For example, 3 244cm Warlock vee-bottom sporting 1.5 gears and a 23-inchepi1d'i three-blade lnlimidator prop ran Above: The bottom end of our 540 is straightforward. The fourbolt main caps are useless unless they are splayedt A standard four-bolt cap actually weakens the main web area. Below: The Ford Motorsport aluminum A429 head topped off with Schneider stainless-steel rockers will create even more power. Note the cavernous intake port almost large enough to put your fist through. A key to making power is proper cylinder-head flow achieved with a set of 1968-70 429460 closed-chamber beads. Theyre ported and polished and mated with Racing Engine Valves 2.190 intake valves and 1 .300 exhaust valves. ICAL BLUEPRINT DIMENSIONS 540 FDRD MARINE ENGINE Block D u Clearan"e Main Bearing Cleara Rod Bear g Clearance Camshaft B rig Clearance Crankshaft End Play Camsh End Play {:0an (2 Rods) Side Clearance Valve Stem to Gus (intake) Valve Stem to Guide (Exhaust) Piston to Bare Piston to Pin Pin to Rod Ring Gap Top Rig Gap Second OlI Ring Firing Order All dimensions should be taken at 75: Fahrenheit