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-   -   Thoughts on doing some 454, 330 upgrades? (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/do-yourself-boating-budget/305945-thoughts-doing-some-454-330-upgrades.html)

Unlimited jd 12-02-2013 07:37 PM


Originally Posted by dandercam1 (Post 4035505)
+1 on that....... even a set of used 502 mags would really wake things up and be a great foundation for later upgrades

Also a very good affordable option.

stimleck 12-02-2013 09:49 PM

i took this advice and bought a 502 mag its a no brainer, now ill clean the 330 and sell it

dandercam1 12-02-2013 10:49 PM

OK so we all agree that a set of drop-ins is the way to go so what should the OP expect as far as prices on low hour fresh water carbed 454 and 502 mags, 420's and hp500's and which is the best bang for your buck option

motor 12-03-2013 09:41 AM

Since every one has decided for the op, i guess that means he has no other options. What if the 3k is the only 3k he intends to throw at motors.What if he is only looking for a little more,and it wouldn't be the first time someone wanted one that sounded better at idle. FWIW i totally agree he could own a better base motor,but he doesn't .
Idle comments

JBA 12-03-2013 09:55 AM

Thank you all for your input. I think this year is going to be spent on some newer stereo equipment.
MOTOR, to answer your question these are all stock 1993 330’s in a 32 fountain fever. Yes I know under powered but the price was right. The boat will do low to mid 60s on flat water and just over 65 in 1’-2’ chop.
It drives me nuts when a Crownline or I hate to say it but a single engine 27’ Baja is staying right there with me. :evilb:

motor 12-03-2013 10:00 AM

It doesn't take big power to have a 32 fountain in the 70's

JBA 12-03-2013 10:05 AM

What are some realistic prices if I wanted to purchase 2 engines with at least 450hp per side with or without better exhaust?

mike tkach 12-03-2013 10:27 AM


Originally Posted by motor (Post 4035803)
Since every one has decided for the op, i guess that means he has no other options. What if the 3k is the only 3k he intends to throw at motors.What if he is only looking for a little more,and it wouldn't be the first time someone wanted one that sounded better at idle. FWIW i totally agree he could own a better base motor,but he doesn't .
Idle comments

the point i am trying to make is after he puts 1500. per engine he might gain 2 to 3 mph and he still has 330s,with cast internals.now if he waits and saves up for a few years he can buy better engines and drop them in.i am not making his decision on what to do,im just pointing him in the right direction.i am just stating my opinion,only he can decide what direction to go.after all he did come here looking for opinions.:confused:

MILD THUNDER 12-03-2013 10:30 AM

What a bunch of diks! lol J/K

I'll throw some ideas at ya. Bolt on a pair of 96+ Vortec style heads. This will bump your compression up from 7.9 to 9:1 with the smaller chambers. Get yourself some takeout cams from a 454/502MAG MPI engine, the roller cams. These can be found cheap, and usually guys have good used GM lifters to go with them and a gen vi timing set. Ditch the stock iron intake manifold for an edelbrock performer oval port. Keep the stock carb, it will be fine.

You'll see a noticeable improvement, and it will sound tougher. Bumping the compression, and going to a roller cam, is a nice upgrade. It doesn't have to be an exotic build. Even if you find the vortec heads from a 96-00 454 Truck engine, they should have Inconel valves in them already.

Put a package together like that, and I will bet it will run circles around a stock 365HP "MAG", make better torque, idle better, and no need to spin it past 5000. Which the stock 330 crank/rods will be fine there.

motor 12-03-2013 10:48 AM

I think the upgrade MildThunder brought up is more along the lines of what the op was asking .I obviously don't know the op's mechanical ability.With some hunting used stuff and providing his own labor he should be able to get his boat in the 70's within his budget ......My Opinion.


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