Engine Choices

[Mamier]

Currently have a 24' Formula 242LS with a 5.7 (350) 260hp Engine. THinking about repowering it in the fall with a big block (454) 350hp. THoughts? <br /><br />Boat tops out at 50mph. Would love to get 60 out of it. THanks!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Engine Choices

Jumping to a big block is a Quantam leap- you'll get more feedback.......

 

[QC]

Re: Engine Choices

What's the budget?

 

[project hunter]

Re: Engine Choices

You will have to upgrade to a bravo I if you dont have one and then you will need to take a look at your engine mounts and make sure they will hold the engine plus be capable of making your engine line up with the drive. Then exhaust is going to be in question. Its going to be a fairly major task as far as I can see and lots of work

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine Choices

How about 320 hp and stay with a 350.<br /> 5.7 DP <br /><br />But if you want to go big block, there is always this one with 420Hp:<br /> 8.1DP

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Engine Choices

I agree with Don, the newer 5.7 with fuel injection will pack plenty of power. They aren't cheap. Then again a conversion may cost more as the newer engines also need computer, wiring, EFI fuels pumps etc. I like Chevy engines over Ford and think the 454 carbureted, would be easier to convert. You know what they say, "there is no substitute for cubic inches". <br /><br />I have the same engine as you. It's a good engine and does well for family boating but is not a hot rod. You may end up dropping more for the engine than what you paid for the boat. But hey, it's a Formula!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine Choices

Without Knowing what the Drive is,...........????<br /><br />Any "Well Built" Big Block is going to Co$t a Heavy Load of Coin$............<br /><br />$1000.00 Per MPH would be about the Starting Point...........

 

[weatherz]

Re: Engine Choices

Is that always true Bondo? I mean it seems to me that a cam change and maybe a matched intake for say 3 or 400 bucks would at least give a coupla miles per hour?

 

[weatherz]

Re: Engine Choices

In other words, if I want to go 50 mph, I would have to spend 50 grand? I'm assuming you mean anything over and above the current mph?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Engine Choices

If you want to go fast Im with Don S here on the 420hp.<br /> <br /><br />

But if you want to go big block, there is always this one with 420Hp:

BTW WB Don

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine Choices

Originally posted by wynter:<br /> In other words, if I want to go 50 mph, I would have to spend 50 grand? I'm assuming you mean anything over and above the current mph?

No,.......<br />Mamier is going 50 Now,+ Want's to do 60........<br /><br />10mph Difference,..... $10,000. Would Just About buy a "Well Built" Big Block,.........

 

[weatherz]

Re: Engine Choices

I don't know where u buy your engines, but I know I can build a 500 hp+ "well built" BB for about half of that.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine Choices

Turn-Key Installed ???

 

[weatherz]

Re: Engine Choices

No... but is 5 grand reasonable to install & align?

 

[snowmon]

Re: Engine Choices

you could try to find an alpha ss drive. it's got heavy duty gears and crescent leading edge lower with low water pick-ups. i had twin 320 efi's in a 30 foot sonic and ran 70 no problem. rebuilt to approx 350 hp each and they stood up fine. you could then still get the hp your looking for with 383 / 400 ci small block without changing gimbal.

 

[Mamier]

Re: Engine Choices

Thanks for all your thoughts. The boat currently has an alpha one drive. Nothing special. The budget as around 7 grand. I've seen guys selling completely dressed MerCruiser 454's on Ebay for 5 grand (locally). But I hear you. My concern was the exhaust and outdrive compatabilities.

 

[wvit100]

Re: Engine Choices

You start using the power of a 454 with that heavy boat and the outdrive will be the first thing to go. Then a new or rebuilt Bravo drive and redoing the transom and all to take it and there goes another $5000+. It would be cheaper to just trade boats.

 

[Mamier]

Re: Engine Choices

good Point Wvit. Maybe I will just enjoy what i got! Thanks man.

 

[Mamier]

Re: Engine Choices

Hey another thought, what about MerCruiser 350Magnum that is a 5.7 block putting out 330hp?