350 Build UP!!!!
 

I have a stock 350 Small Block in my 242 1985 Formula. I want more power!!! I figure to do this in the spring but i want some idea's first. I basically want more speed. Im sure a lot of people built up there 350's and wondering if someone can help me with it. I have some Idea's but want to hear from others. Please leave information here or PM me and we can talk from there. Thank you.

Swap it out for a stock 502/454 mag.

Before getting too carried away, what drive is on the 242?

Sadly.....alpha.

I would probably focus on adding about 100hp to what you have. Cam change, intake and carb and maybe head work. I am no sbc guy but searching should get some good ideas. There is also the stroker route if you are into doing the whole rotating assembly. Anyway, merc did put alphas behind some bbc but stock would be about as far as you would want to go. I wouldn't do the bbc unless you were wanting to go much further hpwise down the road.

BT

Put small single carb blower on it,and run 5psi. It will still be reliable and wont break the bank. I just sold a brand new B and M , with a new carb for $1500. Easiest way to add 75-100hp.



Darrell.

They were 454-330 on a light boat like a 18 donzi. The rule seems to be 300-325 max with the alpha. I have a 29 scarab with 270 carb mags. Have never killed a drive but I don't hammer it. :eek:

I figured cam change, carb and heads. It gives you the extra top end and not so much tork to hurt the outdrive. Also its a easy and cheaper route to go on. I plan on having the boat for 4 more years and then going to a 29/31 footer.

Heavy boats seems to be the real problem.

Ran just about 500 hp through my Alpha without a problem. I do not beat on it though.

Holed a piston on the 385 but he drive is still going strong. The key is a drive shower, change the oil religiously, and keep the boat in the water.

Your 242 is better suited to a big block/bravo if you ask my opinion.

Tom

With the above said....

What are you turning now for rpm and what are you trying to gain?

When I toasted my 385, I put together a quick 350 with Vortec heads and a Hot cam. It's slower than the 385 for sure (about a 12-15 mph difference) but it's still a ton of fun, cheap, and still runs in the mod 60s.

You could do modern Vortec heads, a GM Hot cam, and exhaust an probably pick up a few mph PLUS make it very responsive in the mid range (that's what I really like about the Vortec).

Tom
(Sorry for the multiple posts and edit... The iPhone doesn't like this site too much).

I would love a BB. But budget wise i cant. I figure do little things, graduate college and go for a 31 with power! I run 42-4300 RPM with trim on it. I should be getting more and might try to mess with props next season. Also im doing thru hull this spring

And i want to hit 50 with the boat on a single SB.
I prob wont with out a major project. Im running 42-43 now at 4300 RPMs.

I would love to run that speed at 3700ish RPMs

I hear ya! I one day hope to have my Stinger 222 grow up into a 315!

Definitely, get the exhaust straight. Exhaust is a big limiting factor. GLM makes a great package in aluminum that has split runners that help separate the exhaust pulses and save weight... for cheap! maybe $600 for the whole thing.

Get that done and you'll pick up a little. Then try props. What prop are you using now?

The blower option was mentioned above. I don't think I would go that route with a stock cast piston engine. The chance of damage from detonation is too great (love the blower idea on something a little more stout).

Blower would be awesome....but to much for now. I am running a 3 blade 17P stainless steel prop.
Exhoast i am doing research to figure out the best option and who to go through, where to get the best price, ext.
Maybe do the cam, my farther knows all about it and said its a easy thing. But do the cam then gotta do the valves, springs, heads, timing chain, while i got the motor out. Maybe a bigger carb.

I'm running 40 at cruise with my Vortec. If I recall correctly from yesterday, I believe that was right around 3200-3300 or so with a 21 pitch Lazer II. It's the wrong prop for the boat, but I've been too lazy to test my other props. I'm more interested in cruising than hauling the booty right now. She still flashes right up to 60 without breaking a sweat... enough to pretty much walk away from most (haven't lost yet).

You've got the off season to put something together. Shouldn't be too hard to make it fun. And remember... You're boating! That's the big part!

Is that motor original? How many hours? I would do exhaust and save the rest of your money for a different boat.Enjoy the one you have for now just afraid you are going to open a whole can of worms without rebuilding the entire engine.

They put 330hp bbc with alphas on the 1987 240 baja sports. They worked if you drove sane.

Ya I heard about that. But sane isn't a grantee with me always. I think I can be good but who knows. As for my motor it is original and has 330 hours. One previous own on freshwater and old people so wast beat on.

Will the thru hull effect much on the motor. As in wearing it away because all im doing is hose and tips....no mufflers.

Alphas are cheap now, the Chinese are making them with a warranty. What is your budget for more speed?

Sdrago (steven), My first performance boat was a 21' Checkmate with a 260hp small block mated to an alpha.When it was time for a repower I went with a G.M. crate 350c.i. 330hp long block.I was young at the time and also on a limited budget. The motor worked out great,drive held up to some pretty serious beatings too.All I did was change freeze plugs,swap over my accessories,and drop it in.When your ready to do anything,let me know.If you choose to go this route, I get my normal parts discount thru my shop,plus I can always squeeze my G.M. dealer for a little more.At the time,many,many years ago,I think It was about $1200. They will deliver to my shop n/c and you can pick it up here. P.S. do you have any pictures from the Poker Run?