Swapping SB's for BB's in a 272
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Swapping SB's for BB's in a 272
So I am hoping I can get some good answers on here. I have what many have told me is a very rare set up in my '88 272 SR1. Currently running twin 320EFI's on Bravo 1 drives. (anyone else have a pair of these?) I am up in the air as to which route to go either built small blocks such as 383 strokers potentially using factory EFI or just to step up twin big blocks. I am no stranger to BB's having a Baja 272 with single 502. No doubt in my mind would I have much more torque with the BB's but the boat has no problem getting out of the water as it is.
I guess my biggest question I am looking for the answer to is will the BB's fit with the current configuration? My engine hatch lift is squeezed between the SB's with little clearance. Obviously the drives are where they are. Maybe someone could give me some measurements of a 272 equipped with BB's to see if the drives are even far enough apart.
I guess my biggest question I am looking for the answer to is will the BB's fit with the current configuration? My engine hatch lift is squeezed between the SB's with little clearance. Obviously the drives are where they are. Maybe someone could give me some measurements of a 272 equipped with BB's to see if the drives are even far enough apart.
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So I am hoping I can get some good answers on here. I have what many have told me is a very rare set up in my '88 272 SR1. Currently running twin 320EFI's on Bravo 1 drives. (anyone else have a pair of these?) I am up in the air as to which route to go either built small blocks such as 383 strokers potentially using factory EFI or just to step up twin big blocks. I am no stranger to BB's having a Baja 272 with single 502. No doubt in my mind would I have much more torque with the BB's but the boat has no problem getting out of the water as it is.
I guess my biggest question I am looking for the answer to is will the BB's fit with the current configuration? My engine hatch lift is squeezed between the SB's with little clearance. Obviously the drives are where they are. Maybe someone could give me some measurements of a 272 equipped with BB's to see if the drives are even far enough apart.
I guess my biggest question I am looking for the answer to is will the BB's fit with the current configuration? My engine hatch lift is squeezed between the SB's with little clearance. Obviously the drives are where they are. Maybe someone could give me some measurements of a 272 equipped with BB's to see if the drives are even far enough apart.
One thing to consider is 6.0~6.2 LS motors. They will go 32" on center no problem and if you can scare up the brackets to do it from a doner boat you can get very serious power from them in a light package.
The Vortec 355~383 motors get to 400+ horsepower and torque real quick...lot of bang for the buck.
Are your 320 EFI's tired? My '86 272 with those motors on Alpha SS drives would do 75.
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Most SBC's are set up at 32~33" on center...BBC's need a minimum of 34". If yours are at 32 or 33" you are in for a major transom re-do to get 34" to clear the Big Blocks.
One thing to consider is 6.0~6.2 LS motors. They will go 32" on center no problem and if you can scare up the brackets to do it from a doner boat you can get very serious power from them in a light package.
The Vortec 355~383 motors get to 400+ horsepower and torque real quick...lot of bang for the buck.
Are your 320 EFI's tired? My '86 272 with those motors on Alpha SS drives would do 75.
One thing to consider is 6.0~6.2 LS motors. They will go 32" on center no problem and if you can scare up the brackets to do it from a doner boat you can get very serious power from them in a light package.
The Vortec 355~383 motors get to 400+ horsepower and torque real quick...lot of bang for the buck.
Are your 320 EFI's tired? My '86 272 with those motors on Alpha SS drives would do 75.
Funny you mention LS motors though. Have been doing a little research on the LS3 / L92 motors. Maybe even go crazy with an LS7 or something. Doesn't look like it would be too bad to marinize these motors. Especially if more and more people are doing them.
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Those 320's will spin 5500 and beyond. Find someone that can tune that EFI which is sort of "cave man" by todays standards.You're looking for an old school guy that remembers what it took to make them sing. If they have never had a valve job in their history they a probably due. Two good sets of stainless exhaust would be a good investment also.
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Motors already have a set of EMI manifolds on them and with looking to go the LS route down the road I will be saving pennies for that. My biggest issue with the 320's is finding someone that knows what they are. I usually get the blank stare when I tell someone it has factory EFI motors from '88. If anyone out there knows someone in the northeast I would appreciate the help!
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Here's a thread on an install of 6.2 liter/430 hp Ilmor LS engines into an SR-1 Formula:
Ilmor LS conversion
Ilmor LS conversion
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Retired! Boating full-time now.
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Is that boat originally from the Albany, NY area? I may know that boat since it was brand new. If so it did much time up on Lake George, I have a boat with the same 320 efi's and am looking for parts motors. If you are looking to sell all the fuel injection parts let me know. Scott 518 210 2030