I am almost finished with the thread...

WOW, so much information on that thread. After reading that should I try to convert it to the 454 with a bravo. I would really like too.

How would I figure out where to put the motor mounts?

I will have to wait until spring to pull off the old parts.... almost 2 feet of snow on the ground makes it hard to move around.

I need to make a decision about going with the 454 bravo package. That red has... it is exactly what I am wanting and at a great price. But how much additional changes will I have to make. with sprinks boat he did not have to change his motor mounts.

I understand the additional holes needed but is that the same with my boat? or is there more to it in my boat?

Thank you for helping me figure this out.

I am a full time student in college right now...sometimes too much learning in one day makes my mind mush..lol. I am 31 and only have 3.5 more years of school.

Nice. The 2 extra holes are all that is needed to mate the new transom assembly. Like I said not sure what that plate is on the inside of yours. If it was just a conversion and all wood is solid you'll be fine. If it is hiding crap wood then your in for a transom. I think the 454/bravo is a great start and will be easy to get running.

The motor mounts aren't that difficult. The bell housing of the motor bolts to the transom assembly so the forward and aft placement is determined by that. Then you'll have to raise and lower and side to side until perfect alignment and mount motor mounts. This is where a qualified might come in handy. Not extremely time consuming if someone knows what they are doing but you don't want it wrong.

Thank you!! I will call the guy who had the boat for the last 6 years and ask him what the plates are for..... I remember him saying something about them but it was almost a year ago and dont remember what.

Thank you for all your help

I agree..deffinitely "Pre-Alpha" MR-1. A Bravo I set up with a Big Block will be your quickest and easiest option.

You basically have a clean slate with that boat. I question the aluminum plates and suspect possible transom rot but at this point don't concern yourself with it. Clean the bilge up, trace out the wiring and tidy it up a bit, consider replacing that antique trim tab set up with aat least a recent Bennett or Lenco set up and make way for a package such as what Lil Red is selling.

Any money spent on a Big Block/Bravo package will not be wasted because if the boat doesn't work out for you you always have the option to sell the boat for not much and move the propulsion package to a different boat.

I think a 400+ Big Block/Bravo I will be adequate for the boat to achieve what you described as your goals...cruising Lake Michigan. The 255 hull is a great "Rough Water" design...plus the weight and sturdiness of the structure of the boat makes it ideal for your use.

I think this weekend if the weather allows I will pull the plates off to see what is behind there. You have a good point about the propulsion package. I think I will be getting the package from lil red.

You actually have a pretty nice boat to start with but a few things need to be addressed... That trailer is actively damaging the bottom of your hull. The 255 is somewhere in the neighborhood of 5K with no engine, that's more than enough for those rollers to be putting dimples in your hull. So get it on some good stands or a better trailer before you buy a engine/drive package. Second, the bravo/bbc swap is definitely the way to go. Trying to avoid the motor mount issue now, will give you issues. Thirdly, before you get to buying parts, make sure you you are genuinely in for the amount of work and cash this project is. Look for cigarettesam on here and ask about his project. He's similar to your situation and basically is doing the same. He'll tell you how tough it can be.

I am going to get stands this weekend

Does cigarettesam have a thread of his projedct on here?

Yes he does. His seemed like more work as it needed floors interior everything and he has no skills to do it.