What gear ratio should I be looking for with the 502 and Bravo drive setup, 1.50:1?

I was looking at this.

Also this...

There was also this 1.35:1

JonD,

Or....

Back to my earlier suggestion... The Innovation Marine 496HP3 clone, without the Whipple, and the XZ gear and cone clutch upgrade kit for your Bravo drive. It's a VERY stout, NEW engine, well built with all the right parts.

Thanks. Brad.

Let's put it into a Classic Car frame.

Bajas are decent boats, but at the low end of the price and quality spectrum, even when new. My 1999 Baja Boss 233...I'm astounded at the corners cut in the quality.

Bajas are maybe like the 70s Mustangs. Nice to have, but not the following or performance potential of a Corvette/Camaro/Chevelle etc.

Fortunately, the classic car pricong has not hit Performance boats the same way. That is changing for some Brands/models.

There's lots of hulls with no power that would be a better easel for your plans.

But if you like the Baja...go for it. 80mph is likely a relatively safe speed with the correct parts. But how mich time would you spend there? 3% of the engine run time?

70mph is still pretty quick, and maybe you setup for a 45mph cruise speed. Pretty sure the Bravo Drive would endorse this plan...

Tartilla,

This. It was common practice to simply drill holes and run lag screws into the stringers for the engine mounts. I also understand they simply cut the holes through the transom for the drive and exhaust and bolted everything together with silicone and a prayer. I just can't imagine.

JonD,

You would do very well for yourself to thoroughly inspect every attachment point that went through wood for water intrusion while you've got everything out. One dick's opinion.

Thanks. Brad.

Mercruiser made a mistake using the Magnum term often with no meaning.

Mag engines typically indicate a performance duty internal parts spec.

As an example: BBC 356 Mag is a 365hp 454 (at prop spec) with a forged 4" crank, forged domed pistons, and good forged rods w/ 7/16" rod bolts vs the 3/8".

Far more suitable for the sustained high rpm duty of perf marine engines.

All BBC blocks from 1991+ are 4 bolt main. Gen VI blocks have factory roller lifter provisions.

Would be best to find a 500-600 NA engine that just needs a re-fresh at most.

The engine is the easy part..it's all the marine accessories and exh manifolds etc that create the cost.

You will not be able to pull a 1.35 gearing with a 502 mag mpi, or probably anything less than 700 hp.........the 1.35 is used when the 1.50 runs out of prop and rpm ( limiter )

Yeah, I know you got me there but at the time I was howling at the moon and to me you may have been a used car salesman try to pitch your deal. (no offense)
However, in case you missed it I gave you due credit about being spot on from the start.
So that engine you selling will suit my current requirement and also a drive? PM me a price.