selling my 1986 242
05-15-2018 | 08:38 PM
#12
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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.
05-16-2018 | 06:30 AM
#13
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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.
05-16-2018 | 11:26 AM
#14
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Mobile, Al
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.
05-18-2018 | 08:14 PM
#16
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 211
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From: Hudson Valley New York
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
05-18-2018 | 08:26 PM
#17
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Mobile, Al
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.
Last edited by Redneckcustoms13; 05-18-2018 at 08:32 PM.
05-19-2018 | 02:58 PM
#18
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 896
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From: Buffalo NY
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.
