formula223

Ok, I bought a 98 35 lightning in 2014, the boat was never actually right, I have started dumping money in it. Intercooled and whipplecharged hp 500s, stelling stand off boxes, full hyrdraulic steering, new paint, hydromotive props, CMI big tube headers, supposed to be 100mph boat, Finally found all the problems, including leaking header, and leaking intercooler, two motors ready to be rebuilt. Looks like 18K to get it all done and back in the boat. Is it better to sell the parts, headers, blowers, intercoolers, and put in new mercury fuel injected 502 and have a 78mph boat, or spend the money to rebuild and sell the boat when everything is back together, or just get out of it the way it sits? Thoughts suggestions? What is the boat worth with new mercury motors, or with the 850hp rebuilds?

Wildman_grafix

Do you mean you can get both motors completely rebuilt for 18 K total?

How much would a pair of stock motors cost?

formula223

Yes, both motors rebuilt and put back in boat, New Short blocks look like about $7k each and complete 502's around $12k each it think.

genob

For me it would depend is this your only boat do you go out every weekend then put the boat away until next weekend then do it all over and last how fast are the boats you hang out with.
I have a 33 with stock 502s efi and its great on gas runs every time I hit the key and requires very little maintenance during the season.
would I like bigger power of course but it is usually a trade off of how much time you have to work on your boat

Wildman_grafix

^^^^^ lot to be said for that.

formula223

Up for sale this summer is going to be a 98 Lightning with warranty and 100 mph, just bit the bullet, and ok'd all the work. But I am with the other two posters, I would rather have a mild boat, that starts everytime with no issues.