2 LS1's

One thing not mentioned is with small blocks you can buy two new ones for less than the cost of one new big block.That is a plus.Suprisied to hear that the twins are faster though.Good luck with your search I would not own a single engine prefer twins.

Good thinking. Put in a set of 450hp all aluminum LS's and some shorty drives and you would have a fast and fuel efficient (at cruise) boat for not a lot of money. It would significantly reduce weight and drag at the same time while adding power.

For overall value and durability I'll stick with twin 350's any day...but the question to ask is: what are your goals? I prefer security, added weight, good cruise speed and range, and cheap replacement parts...

I say go with 2 540's.

No such thing as overkill! :drink:

Uncle Dave,
To answer your questions if the single was a good deal - yes i would buy a single, no doubt. Like i said pros and cons to both. If given the choice I would first search for twin small blocks first.

I would get the twin small blocks. In the long run the drives and engines will be more reliable and should last MUCH longer. The twins small blocks will cost about the same, maybe less, to replace than the 540.

Bottom line is, you COULD make a single as fast as a twin with stock engines, but the reliability factor of stock(or nearly stock) small blocks vs. what you would have to put into that single big block to get the same speed would be ridiculous, but the cool factor of a nasty blown BB would also be sick..

I have twins in my 242 and am very happy with it after rebuilding to 383's.

My 28ft Saber with twin built small blocks (470hp) out ran and out accelerated single big block boats when we raced in P4.
And the balance was great!!
Heck it even beat a few twin big block boats!!
Oh and this is a Old School straight bottom...