I dont think you can put 454's in without doing transom over and possibly stringers too. If I remember correctly there was no more than an inch or two between the 350's. The alpha transom housings will fit with minor cuts. Its been over 20 years since I did one so I dont remember exactly what had to be cut but its pretty easy. Bravos should also go in with some minor modifications.

I'm almost 100% that the transom and stringers are a wash when going to the 454. I know there are some out there and I was hoping someone would see the fourm post and say something. So at the moment, untill I find a boat to mock off of the plans to stay 350CI and replace drives.

you have a 77. so you have an engine tub instead of strigers to mount the engines in. wellcraft used yhat tub with some bigblock boats so they would fit. the added weight is another story. IMO, unless you want to go completely nuts, go used alpha gimbles in good shapethe sei drives and a couple mild sbc 383s. Driven sanely the SEI's should handle 300 hp 383's

If those 302's are tired and only making 150 hp, you will be doubling the hp and a mild 300 hp 383 should live forever plus the alpha drive will be faster than the bravo

Phragle, I was under the assumption that the tub just hides the stringers...This it not the case? Looks like you have a nova as well, What are you running?

188's the tub just sits in between 2 small outer stringers, though the tub has 3/4" ply glassed to the underside.

here is what it looks like with the tub out...

Thanks for the photo....Cleared up a lot! I think that I will stick with the originals for now. Think I may be biting off more than my wallet can chew. lol if you don't mind I may message you later about some other items? Thanks everyone. Merry Xmas!

hello, since we are talkin about Novas here , i have twins with one blown Alpha, both are right hand rot, and thinkin about going with sei, what performance gain would i get with switching to a left hand rot on port ? i know it will eliminate torq steer, but will i gain any thing else ? i do like the fact that if i go with sei, then i can rebuild old drive and have a spare drive if i do stay both rhr, thanks for any input

fasttoys7619, From what I can tell in my research and the guys I know is that CRD don't really get you much in speed but the steering issue is another thing... has your outdrive system been upgraded from originals? As in pre-alphas MC1's or R's to a newer alpha one or two?

I have two complete bravo transom assy. They are 2003 and in good shape and the pins that cost $600 are good. Less than 250hrs. Call me if interested. 317-679-4453. $1000 each plus shipping. Mike