Cam replacement

[formula351]

Hi i have a 233 formula with a 351 merc. I am looking for more power out of this engine and i was wondering if a new cam would do the trick? Can i use a street cam in my boat? and if so what would be a good cam to use? <br /> Thanks <br /> Tim

 

[tommays]

Re: Cam replacement

The biggest problem you will run into is the RPM the drive can take 5000 is more or less the limit !<br /><br />Wild cams will suck water into the motor<br /><br />More help will come but the biggest gains can be found with a real good carb tuneing ect and the prop<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Cam replacement

Welcome to iboats You might get a litle more out of it by changing the cam....However, a street cam will most likely put you into the wrong powerband....There is also the consideration of water ingestion with the wrong cam.....<br />I'm sure there will be some more input so stick around!.......JK

 

[mkast]

Re: Cam replacement

Get yourself an old 351 cast four barrel manifold with a marine four barrel carb.<br />Biggest bang for the buck.

 

[formula351]

Re: Cam replacement

Then how would you all suggest getting more power out of my engine.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Cam replacement

ebasicpower has a 285 hp, that is new...<br />A combination of a different cam, intake & carb would get more....Look in the search function, there might be some specific info there...<br />How old is the engine, & what kind of compression #'s do you have......<br />There are some here that will have better input than me.....JK

 

[Don S]

Re: Cam replacement

It may be that the engine you have is just plain wore out or damaged. A 351 should push a 23 foot boat nicely. Are you getting the proper WOT rpm's? If you are over propped, it will feel just like the boat is underpowered. Slow to get on step and all.<br />It's obviously an older boat, because Mercruiser hasn't used Fords for a long time.<br />Perhaps you could explain WHY you are looking for more power.

 

[formula351]

Re: Cam replacement

im getting the correct WOT rpm's the boat is very heavy though around 5500lbs because of the added weight of the tuna tower

 

[man-of-war]

Re: Cam replacement

Formula 351 <br /><br />As Don's said the engine might be tired. Do a compression test,see what # you get.<br />I'm not a mechanic, but i was told instead of replacing a cam for more power ,you can replace the crankshaft, with a stroker crankshaft. You could get stroker kits on E BAY for $950.00. <br />you should read up on it to find out more .