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-   -   selling my 1986 242 (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/formula/317833-selling-my-1986-242-a.html)

masi242 11-24-2014 09:12 AM

Congrats on the sale that didn't take long.

Kmoney. Check out cpperformance they have those air cleaners $499 then you need to find the bird on eBay $ 25-30

mararcher36 05-15-2018 08:38 PM

I know this is an old thread but just curious what kind of speeds you got out of the boat with the big block. I have the same year boat I recently purchased with a worked over small block and was curious if going to a big block was worth it.

86242ls 05-16-2018 06:30 AM


Originally Posted by mararcher36 (Post 4626721)
I know this is an old thread but just curious what kind of speeds you got out of the boat with the big block. I have the same year boat I recently purchased with a worked over small block and was curious if going to a big block was worth it.

That was my old boat. It started out as a small block with an alpha that ran in the low 40 mph range. Over one winter I built a worked vortec roller 350 with aluminum heads and a cam that pushed the boat into the low 50 mph range. I wanted more out of the boat so I removed the small block and alpha combo and upgraded to a bravo one and a 510ci BBC. The motor made 525hp with similar torque and with a 23 mirage plus prop ran in the lower 70s. I had a Livorsi gps speedo installed for all the different motor combos. When I went to sell the boat I removed the 510 and installed a Craigslist mercruiser 454 that made 420hp which pushed the boat into the Low 60’s.
Looking back if I had to do it over again I would have used the boat for what it was and sold it when I wanted to go faster and gotten into something that had a bravo and big block to start.

Redneckcustoms13 05-16-2018 11:26 AM

My 242 came with a 330hp 454 previous owner said beat he got was 53mph. It had a 425hp 476 in it when I got it and I got 64 out of it. Now I have a 509 making around 600hp. I havent even dialed it all in with props but am running low 70s.

bbender785 05-18-2018 02:56 PM


Originally Posted by Redneckcustoms13 (Post 4626783)
My 242 came with a 330hp 454 previous owner said best he got was 53mph.

exactly what i get with the same configuration.

Wharf Rat 1 05-18-2018 08:14 PM

I have a 232ls. I bought it with a 350 mag. I have since put a 8.2 big block in it. There is a big difference in feel of acceleration. Never mind the low 50's with the 350/ to low to mid 60's with 8.2. Propped a little different. Remember Formulas are heavy. I think there is a big difference. Go BB

Redneckcustoms13 05-18-2018 08:26 PM

Remember the old rule of thumb. There is no replacement for displacement. A big block has more rotating mass. More inertia means more torque. Generally a 300hp big block will have much more tq than a 300hp small block. If you decide to go big block and bravo you will be looking at a lot of work. And even more money. Best to sell the boat and buy one set up the way you want if that's your desire.

79formula 05-19-2018 02:58 PM


Originally Posted by 86242ls (Post 4626739)


That was my old boat. It started out as a small block with an alpha that ran in the low 40 mph range. Over one winter I built a worked vortec roller 350 with aluminum heads and a cam that pushed the boat into the low 50 mph range. I wanted more out of the boat so I removed the small block and alpha combo and upgraded to a bravo one and a 510ci BBC. The motor made 525hp with similar torque and with a 23 mirage plus prop ran in the lower 70s. I had a Livorsi gps speedo installed for all the different motor combos. When I went to sell the boat I removed the 510 and installed a Craigslist mercruiser 454 that made 420hp which pushed the boat into the Low 60’s.
Looking back if I had to do it over again I would have used the boat for what it was and sold it when I wanted to go faster and gotten into something that had a bravo and big block to start.

I now own this boat. It now has a 525sc in it. It made 572hp@5600. I get 74 out of it. I added full hydraulic Latham steering. Its way more stable now. The boat cruises well at 50mph.

ph1971 05-19-2018 05:44 PM

Very nice, 79. What is the top speed before the secondaries open. I’m building a 540 now and hoping for 60 on the primaries. Just wondering if you have ever taken note of this in your boat.


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