445 Olds in a Jet Boat??

[BoatnAround]

I am looking at buying a 1978 Sundown Jet boat with a Berkely Jet Drive. The owner says the engine is a Chevy 455 I think he means 455 Olds. He had the intake and valve covers loose to replace a part. he said that he was woking on getting a part relating to the Carb. (I am not sure exactly what it is, but I will find out more soon) He said that the engine is not blown or does not have a cracked block. <br /><br />If I take a chance and the engine is blown....how difficult will it be to get a replacement engine, or rebuild it? What would it cost on average?<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 445 Olds in a Jet Boat??

WOW<br /> that question is like asking how high is up. speed costs money.<br /> how fast do ya wanna go?<br /> the 455 olds was a very stout motor as is the 454 chevy.both can be made to make solid power in the 5000 RPM range. for more serious RPM's go with the chevy. more parts are availible for go fast at lower costs. the 4.25 inch stroke starts working against you at high rpms on the 455 olds.<br /> for extended runs in the 6k plus area you will need some fairly expensive mods. moldex crank,carrillo rods merlin or dart heads a good accel or other ign system dry headers a radical cam and manley or comparable pistons of the forged varity. for about 16k merc will seel you a set up complete with weiand or B&M blower.<br /> I quit dealing with hot rods a few years back but the kids are almost grown and the speed bug is biteing again. I may have to show some of the honda bubba's what 500 cubic inches can do <br /> good luck and keep posting but always remember<br /> speed costs money

 

[DJ]

Re: 445 Olds in a Jet Boat??

BoatnAround,<br /><br />rodbolt is right, the Olds did not like a lot of RPM, however, as he states, it's a dynamo up to about five grand.<br /><br />You should be able to tell the engines apart, rather easily. The Olds is a very wide engine with a relatively flat intake manifold.

 

[BoatnAround]

Re: 445 Olds in a Jet Boat??

Thanks Rodbolt and DJ. <br /><br />Once I took a look at the boat closer I realized it was a 454! I bought the boat and should have it running this weekend. I'm just trying to find a Dist. Cap for a mallory Ignition distributer. <br /><br />Thanks!

 

[ncwest39]

Re: 445 Olds in a Jet Boat??

With a 454 I would have got it even if the boat wouldnt float.