Matthew booulton

I can build any big block as I have several around( yes I am aware marine is different in some ways but would send short blocks to summit to do bottom end right) as this is my first entry into the go fast crowd..I have several questions..what is the difference between a Nova and scarab.I here the Nova is older but stronger better choppy water hull..I will run in Truman Stockton area with few KS lakes also ..tree stumps tend to be a issue at Truman so I am thinking stronger hull maybe advised..also alpha drives I gather can't be built to take serious HP was looking at 500-650 HP out of each side ..I hear here people mention arneston?? And bravo drives which would be better.? Is this hull capable of 80 mph plus? Any suggestions are welcome as long as they are constructive..yes I could sell it and buy ready made but were is the fun in that ..final ?? Has anyone heard of anyone using the dodge v10 in marine use??Thks and I have yet to figure out how to load pictures..

sprink58

Mat...you can put BBC's where SBC's were in a 26' Nova but you MAY have a spacing issue. Check the center-line of the transom cut outs. Most twin SBC set ups come with a 32" center to center arrangement where as BBC's need a 34"~35" spread to fit next to each other. When I built my '79 255 Formula I considered 454~502's but my spread was 32" and my transom was solid...so I stayed with Small Blocks but did run them thru Bravo I's. My Vortecs make close to 450 Ft Lbs of Torque and Alpha's won't stand up to that.

I have often wondered about the MOPAR stuff. The engines are torque monsters....it's just that for marine use the Chevrolet parts are so plentiful and therefore cheap to buy in comparison.

Hope this helps your thinking.

90viper

iTrader: (1)

I agree with Sprink. The Alpha was Not dependable behind 330 hp and was discontinued. The Bravo came out about the same time. I owned a couple 26 Nova's back in the 80s. Great ride and roomy. Price an ILmor and you will see what Sprink is saying. Ilmor have done a great job with marinizing and promoting the v10. Dependable but pricey.

90viper

iTrader: (1)

By the way. Never designed or intended to run 80 mph.

hullofjustis

iTrader: (1)

I have an 86 scarab panther that wasn't designed to run 80mph but it does quite well. twin bbc 502's extension boxes and raised prop shaft height

phragle

iTrader: (3)

Not to rain on your parade but....

I dont care what kind of hull you have, be it Apache or Bayliner, if you hit a tree stump at 80 your phucked

Matthew booulton

Wasn't the early 80's wellcraft hulls kelvar

90viper

iTrader: (1)

LOL I have paid for many stump boats being I am in the insurance business. I love the Panther. My buddy purchased a brand new 1979 30 Scarab that later became the Panther. His was running close to 80 back then which was fast. Sorry but the Nova bottom is totally different than the Panther. In addition the lamination schedule on a Nova is great for its intended power and speed. The Panther is built to withstand much faster speeds and harder poundings.

sprink58

Doesn't matter...a stump will tear thru either one like a hot knife thru butter....they don't fair well against coral heads on reefs either LOL !!

F-2 Speedy

iTrader: (6)

Kelvar = Kevlar