Need help with Engine selection.
#1
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Need help with Engine selection.
Hi everyone. I have a 98 Crownline 266 BR. More of a family boat. Currently has the junk 310hp-454 carbureted engine, 680 original hrs. Bravo 3 dual prop.
I’m looking at yanking the motor within the next few months to either go through it or swap it with something different. It has a lot of hours and it’s extremely low on power. It’s been working fine but I’m starting to hit a few issues when I go out. I want to go through it this winter and have everything fresh for next summer.
I need help deciding for a Efi swap- 496-502.
or keep a carb motor. I realize that the engine I currently have is basically 2 bolt main junk. I’m a do it yourself or so I have no problem building my own engine or possibly find a used magnum that needs a freshen up. Does anyone have any input? I definitely want some more power but I don’t want to get into the territory of destroying my bravo 3. I like to shoot for reliable a 450hp .
I mainly just need help deciding if it’s worth switching to MPI or EFI at all. Do I gain any power? Is it even worth my time or just more problems in the long run, I realize carbs are just straightforward and simple. Probably use a little more fuel but I think I’m OK with that if it’s going to keep it simple.
Thanks-Dustin
I’m looking at yanking the motor within the next few months to either go through it or swap it with something different. It has a lot of hours and it’s extremely low on power. It’s been working fine but I’m starting to hit a few issues when I go out. I want to go through it this winter and have everything fresh for next summer.
I need help deciding for a Efi swap- 496-502.
or keep a carb motor. I realize that the engine I currently have is basically 2 bolt main junk. I’m a do it yourself or so I have no problem building my own engine or possibly find a used magnum that needs a freshen up. Does anyone have any input? I definitely want some more power but I don’t want to get into the territory of destroying my bravo 3. I like to shoot for reliable a 450hp .
I mainly just need help deciding if it’s worth switching to MPI or EFI at all. Do I gain any power? Is it even worth my time or just more problems in the long run, I realize carbs are just straightforward and simple. Probably use a little more fuel but I think I’m OK with that if it’s going to keep it simple.
Thanks-Dustin
Last edited by Yjownzme; 09-28-2022 at 07:57 PM.
#2
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Really , really hard to beat a 502. Stay with low lift cam (say mid .500”s) and maintenance becomes easier.
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SB (09-28-2022)
#5
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The 310hp/454 engine you have is not "junk" by any means and 266 hours is nothing for it. It will go 1000+ hours. You should find out why its down on power before doing anything.
The following 6 users liked this post by Griff:
bajaman (09-28-2022), Brad Christy (09-28-2022), liberator221 (09-28-2022), liquidlounge (09-29-2022), SB (09-28-2022), underpsi68 (09-28-2022)
#6
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What's your budget? For about $28K you can buy a new 500EFI which would put you into the ponies range you are looking for. Used/pre-owned engines are still relatively rare; but swapping to a 502 is going to cost you at least $10K...slightly more for EFI.
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Baja 252 Islander
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#7
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Griff, I typed incorrectly. I’m sitting at 680hrs. And I would classify that 2 bolt engine as junk. Not a terribly powerful engine unless I change almost everything and add 4 bolt splayed caps
#8
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drag race guys routinely run into the 700hp range on two bolt blocks with main studs. the only time you would need splayed mains is if you are 1000 + hp or spinning it 7500 plus. I ran a set of two bolt studded blocks converted to 496 strokers that made over 500 hp with no issues till a valve retainer failure.
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liberator221 (09-29-2022)
#9
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drag race guys routinely run into the 700hp range on two bolt blocks with main studs. the only time you would need splayed mains is if you are 1000 + hp or spinning it 7500 plus. I ran a set of two bolt studded blocks converted to 496 strokers that made over 500 hp with no issues till a valve retainer failure.
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Yjownzme (09-29-2022)
#10
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I disagree. Keep the OE engine to put back in when sell the boat and/or use for back up. Just my opinion.
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JaayTeee (09-29-2022)