I agree with Ragged, crate motors would be the most reliable and cheapest way to go. However, to make them breathe, you've got to have exhaust and that right there will set you back 4-5k. Exhaust is stupid expensive. I'm thnking a repower would set you back almost 20k. That's a ton of money to plow into the old 311.

Get 30k for your's, float another 40 with it and steal someone elses rig that they can't afford. There's tons of them out there and I'm convinced if you're actually ready to buy you can knock them down singinficantly on price. But, you've got to get in their grill personally with cash ready to exchange.

Leave it alone!! You have a great looking, very reliable, very sound, very good riding, very comfortable boat. Don't f**k with it. It's a classic, leave it original! A future buyer may like it that way. Why spend all that money for another 10 - 15 MPH. If everything is not matched right from the front of the engine to the propeller or you don't spend the bucks for the good quality stuff and for someone that knows what they are doing you stand the risk of failing equipment and more costs. That said, even with your current power, if you want to do anything, add the hydraulic steering (full hydraulic) you will really appreciate the difference and it really stabalizes your drives. See you tomorrow....

If you want a faster boat, buy a faster boat. Do not waste money on your current reliable, attractive-to-buyers package that you have now.
Too many great deals on newer models that will give you the speed and efficiency from new materials and design.
It would seriously be a mistake to start throwing money into your boat chasing mph.

Anyone who has done it and is completely honest will tell you this.

Have to agree with this one. Having been thru it for many years, to change just one little thing you have to make 2-3 other changes to accommodate. Finally turned my 311 into a rock solid 80 mph all day sleeper, but I sure wish I had that money back now. Something to be said for a bone stock inexpensive reliable turn key ride that's not sitting at the dock trying to figure out a problem or waiting for parts, epsecially in this economy.

Geez Rip,

Still living up to your screen name, I see ...

Got twins,

I finally found an engine builder that I am happy with. Very reliable and does what he says he will do and does it for a very fair price. Call and talk to Frank at Scorpion Racing Engines in Livonia, Michigan. Bet he can freshen up your mills and tweak them just a little for a very reasonable price!

there's a lot of truth to these post .....in 7 years I have prob close 100K in my 311 ....and its only really worth about the same as GT's ..... and maybe as stated harder to sell .....some people are Sceered of nonstock motors ....
you did state though that if you did the mods you would be in it for a while ...m

Words of wisdom from the sage. Reason I suggested crate motors vs the 530 hp build is that, correct me if I'm wrong, 330's are based on the low perf block. Not a real good base for a marine performance engine. Why spend the same money when you can get brand new engines based on higher quality materials.

Exhaust goes without saying, full hydraulic steering needs to be a part of the deal as well, just to be safe. Then there are those drives, lots of trouble free hours as of now, but what is the new found power going to do to them. Add all this up and Bird's 20K is very optimistic. Like they say ....... figure it all up then double it, and then add a little to be safe!

I had an 80 mph Fountain, wanted 90! Could have been there with some heads, cams, exhaust, and props. 600 hp 502's are more or less braindead these days. Simple deal, right? But then I would have been back to crushing standard Bravos, again! Need to get some XR's! When all was said and done I would have had damn near the money invested that I do now in going a solid 90+, every day, and turn key.

Not to say that redoing a boat can not be a sucess, your bud Mike has done a super job on his Hustler. But it is not cheap to to it right. You need to be 100% sure you're in the boat for the long haul for it to make sense.

I think the consensus is clear, leave it alone. We've talked Jeff that our boats are like having a classic '69 Chevelle. Who wouldn't rather have an original Chevelle than one that somebody frigged with - nobody!!!

You're rolling now with your new job, probably making more money that you're worth!!! So, shop for another ride.

You should have never done those poker runs in your buddy's high-powers, now your hooked.

Hell no!!!! Put some 750HP 540's in it.

As i said before pull the stock ones save them put the big power in it and when you want to sell put the stock power back in.