so I picked up an 86 formula 242 ls last year with only 300 hours on the 350/260 small black with a brand new stern drive, cockpit cover (so you can drive in the rain) and a bimini top, put new belts full tune up, new batteries, new alternator all new filters everything works except trim gauge, has trim tabs, small little rips in cockpit and downstairs is in perfect shape, can post pictures later I love the look of the flat glass but im thinking of selling to get an 87 and up 242 big block (if I can find one) just not sure what mine is work, I feel like I picked it up for a steal last year ($4,000) with a trailer, I also put all new brakes brake lines lights and a new coupler up front for the trailer brakes,

thanks!

Put it up for 6200 and take 4500 to 5k.
Pictures will tell the tale.

I'd say 5500, and a 88-up will totally be worth it

Oh yeah it also has captains choice exhaust. Is the hull the same on the 86 and 88? I know that the interior and windshield and deck is different but are the hulls the same??

Probably not too quick with a 350, 50mph? That hurts the value the most

I wish it was 50! most I have ever gotten out of her was 40! and that was with just me (210lbs) and about a half of a tank

Where is the boat ? Is the cabin interior dry...they are prone to leak around the windshield and bow rail stanchions.

Top speed should be between 40-45. These boats weigh about 4200# dry with a single SBC/260/Alpha. A warmed up 350~383 Vortec with 400 HP might see 60...very good hull. I've been 65 in a '86 242 with a marinized junkyard LQ-9 Escalade engine on a Bravo 1 w/23" Mirage Plus. You can amaze people with an LS 5.3 or 6.0 in these boats for less than you think if you are good with tools and have a place to work.

I have a personal like for all the old "Flat Glass" pre '87 Formulas.

The hulls are the same mid to late '80s.

It's located in New Hampshire and the cabin is dry. I was thinking of dropping a 5.3 or 6.0 in it! Did you keep all of the fuel injection and computer??

It wasn't my boat. I think he used an intake and Holley 750 using a MSD set up to fire it.