Ok guys I am seriously thinking about getting the 2001 8.1 496/420 hp Volvo Penta. I guess what I need to know is how hard will the conversion be to adapt to the bravo one drive I have? Please help me out with this so I can make my decision before it gets snatched up by someone else. Thanks.
Chuck

http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o11701-en.html

Well guys after some discussion with other members I have decided to go with the Volvo Penta 496. I am hoping the swap will be as easy as some people have told me. Can anyone tell me the difference between closed cooling and not? Thanks.

Well guys I finally got down to it the last couple of days....WHEW!!!! I have decided to strip the whole boat and go from ground up. I figure this way I know what I have and what my boat is capable of. So far I have come up with this list that just keeps getting longer....new paint, new engine(496), new seats (all), new interioir and different setup in cuddy, new design on rear bench seat, new sunpad/engine hatch. I think that should keep me busy for at least 6 to 9 months. If all goes well I will be ready for spring break next year!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!! Here are some pics of what I have been doing.....until we meet again......

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...w/portview.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...tlaw/stern.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...w/outdrive.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...terncorner.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...strncorner.jpg

Heres more.....

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...aw/bowview.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...w/backseat.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...law/cuddy2.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...rtiallyrem.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...w/portside.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...utlaw/helm.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...inepulleys.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...aw/engine3.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...aw/engine4.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...ngineview2.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...engineview.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s.../manifold2.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...hestercarb.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...tsideview3.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...eblstrstnd.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...w/throttle.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...orwardview.jpg

540 c.i.
 

I have a complete 540 with all accessories...aluminum oil pan, flywheel, oil cooler, stainless marine exhaust with risers, Dart aluminum heads, Dart intake, 1050 Dominator carb, MSD distributor, etc. etc. etc.

Need $6,500.00 for everything. I'm located in Metairie if you want to take a look!

I will be in touch bro. Thanks.

I put down a deposit on a 540 ci engine today. According to my new buddy Steve I should be looking at 625 horses with this new bad boy!!! I am on the fence about a new drive. I know a bravo can handle the power but I honestly don't think my 1994 bravo drive, that has been sitting untouched for the last 2 years, can handle it. Any suggestions from you high HP guys? Thanks fellas.

Chuck