Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

My old 89 242SS had a 468 and it was all out at about 53MPH! I loved the boat but, no matter how I tried to figure a way to add more speed (supercharger, more cubes etc...), the cost factor just didn't make sense. So, I sold it for a 90 292SR1 w/twins and that solved my problem! :D :drink:

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

My buddies 509/535 in his 242 does 70. I'm sure a shorty will get you another 5 mph (maybe more). 10 mph more is gonna take some HP

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

86 242ls with twin vette motors and factory wind screen and bolsters. 65 on gps depending on the load. fun boat. "Rarebird"

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

I've got a 1978 233 that I'm installing a pair of re-man merc 383's with Bravo drives. I was going to build a pair of 383's out of my old Mags but for the price of the re-man's with EFI, I couldn't go wrong.
"They" say that with CMI headers the small blocks are 350++ HP at the prop. Add a supercharger and go cat go!! :D

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

I wouldn't call a 15mph gain marginal. Once you get above 24 - 25 feet, the speed numbers don't increase on a linear scale with the dollars spent. It's usually exponential amounts of money to gain small amounts of speed. Keep in mind you are also adding weight with the BBC/Bravo combo. The idea of looking for a take-out motor can save you a bunch of money too. Another option may be to look for a 242 that was factory equipped with a BBC and then sell yours.

When I bought my 311 with 454 mags/Bravos top speed was 64 mph. I spent a bunch of money massaging those motors to get me to 72 - 73mph (new exhaust alone was 1800 per side). Right around the 500hp range per engine. I really needed to buy some new props with the added power but that would have been another 1000 - 1500 dollars. I already had someone wanting to buy the boat so...

As was said earlier, if you love the boat and it fits your needs it may be something you want to look into. I can fully relate to loving a Formula. After I sold my 311 I said the only 2 boats I would ever own would be another Formula or a Cigarette.

Just my .02 - Sorry for rambling :D

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

Agree. I have an 81 233 with single 260 horse and 4bbl carb. It does what it I need it to but not in a hurry. It's comfy and classic instead.

I would enjoy it for a year or two then re-assess the true need to repower for the speed you're looking for. In that re-assessment you'll be able to look back on the times in which you wanted/needed more speed & power and put that against the $ to spend.

Keep in mind that the best plans will change and (normally) expectations are inversely proportional to the outcome...unless you're Cuda.

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

Now that's a mouthful there. Many people overstimate the increase they are going to realize versus dollars spent. Maybe you should change that screen name to Old Wise Bird. :D

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

Hey Alseattle,
A lot of good advice here. You may want to look at a built small block as a good option. Won't make it a speed demon but it will be cost effective. Depending on if you run in salt water you can go with a GM performance parts crate motor like a ZZ4. I did in my 87 F206 with great results but my 206 is almost 900 pounds lighter. The alpha will handle about any small block horsepower (thats directly from Mel Riggs mouth to my ear) but an alpha will come apart with BB torque. All I changed on the ZZ4 was the cam to a marine grind and the carb, ignition and accesories off the Merc Mag 350. Totally trouble free for over 8 years. Absolutely turn key. Also remember what everyone else is saying here. If you love the boat, you'll still be $$ ahead even with a big block conversion over the long run. Nothing else ever seems to have the staying power and longevity of the Formula's. I now own three of these dang things and the F206 is still the newest. My 02..........Al J.

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

alj- did you run the aluminum heads? Angle plugs? If so, how much clearance from the boot to the manifold?

Alanseattle- the drop in re-man 383's EFI with Bravo's were $10,500.00, I think, last year from Pro-Tec Marine

Re: 1986 Formula 242LS Not a fast boat
 

That is indeed a rare bird. I sure miss mine. It would be perfect for where I live now.