I would caution you against a small block, expecially if it is lightened with aluminum.

Cig 20's are heavy boats. My Cig 20 was heavier than my 24' Banana boat.

That being said, I feel the weight of a big block, would give you the best center of gravity and center of weight, both very important for stability.

One Cig 20 owner had a small block, lightened the engine up with mods and reported that the boat bow steered after.

Interesting point you brought up about planting the back end. I hate to spend all that money on that aluminum small block and the have steer funny etc. I hope Jamie at Lakeside read your last post

What about a aluminum big block?

if you when with the small block it would also give you the oportunity to add weigh to balance the boat
I am using a 500 HP so I will not have that issue

The only problem I have is it will only be 550-600 HP so I am way down power wise compared to these guys LOL

If using the smallblock - where would I add the extra weight? I think Raylar offers a 750 hp big block with aluminum heads. Thats plenty of hp for me...until someone beats me

The only bad thing about this restoration project is by the time I spend the $$$ and have this 20' restored, I can probably buy (2) "Top Guns" the way things are going economically.

that would be the question it appears a sbc versus bbc both cast iron is about 200 pounds different you could add that amount of weight in small increments to the bilge area if in fact you got the bow steering affect as someone noted

personally I think you are worrying about nothing, the boat will handle fine with either, they came that way(sbc and bbc) when they were made...so it's really a moot point.

MOOOOO

If you all would just send them to Phill at Lip-Ship he could figure it all out for you.