Unitek

If its at 10* base right now, how much total timing advance does it have now ? Better yet, how much advance does the computer or ignition add to the base timing ?

[/QUOTE=PatMcPherson]Good exhaust (Stainless Marine) really helped my 1999 7.4MPI.[/QUOTE]
How much $$$$ did those run you? Did they make your boat any louder ? What kind of performance did you see out of them ?

*Sorry for all the newbie questions

Unitek

Ok, then I will look for a good set of heads then if the ones I have suck (lol I know absolutely nothing about BBC ). I am very big in drag racing SBF's so I'll see if I can score a used set of Aluminum BBC heads from my chevy buddies .

Unitek

What kind of oils would you guys recomend me using in this motor and outdrive? Im gonna be changing everything on Monday .

Whiteknuckle

Listen to cstraub, he knows what he is talking about. I have done a complete upgrade on a 330 HP 454. Infact, we just complete version #4. I have learned a lot.

One thing you need to understand, is a mild upgrade is not worth the time or money. Boats are different than cars. In a car you can feel and appreciate 10-15 HP difference. You can actually see the results. In a boat 10-15 HP gets you a little or nothing at all. If you want to feel like you are getting a dividend for your efforts and money, make your goal a 100 HP increase. Otherwise you will be disappointed.

As for oil, I like Mobile 1 15W-50, with a K&N Filter, and I still use the Merc HI-Po gear oil in the Outdrive. Good Luck!

Pat McPherson

I am quite sure that your engine is a Gen VI roller motor; they came out in 1996. It may have the peanut port heads rather than L-29 Vortec heads beeing that it is a carb motor though.
If so then the compression is only 8:1 with the flat top pistons that are in it. Also, I'm not sure if the Gen IV heads that the others are suggesting will work on a Gen VI block. The accessaries or Gen V and Gen VI heads also bolt up differently than Gen IV. And you would need to change the pistons to up the compression with those heads too.
If you were to install the Gen VI L-29 heads, the compression is boosted to 9:1 and they will out flow the peanut port heads. A Gen VI 454mag/502mag cam will work with the Vortec heads stock and the cam be purchace here on the board for like $50. If not that cam then I would go with a ZZ502 cam and new valve springs...
The carb you have will work fine bolted to an Edelbrock RPM Intake...
A good set of exhaust will gain you as much as the other upgrades. I would suggest a good used set of used Stainless Marine or Gil/Merc. Guys upgrade to headers and make good deals here as well. If you want new exhaust, Revolution marine has a real nice set for like $900...
The Merc ignition will work if you can find a module from a 454 or 502mag. I've seen them for like $50
So as for cost, $1500 might get it done; $2000 will...
L-29 Heads: $300-$400
Intake: $200-$300
Cam: $50-$300
Exhaust: $600-$900
Ignition Change: $50-$300
Gaskets: $200-$300
If you like, I have a set of stock L-29 large oval port heads I'm going to put up for sale in October for like $300...
There is a fellow on this Board (Madmax) that did the conversion I'm talking about and gained 3-4mph in a 23' Baja. Look him up.
He was a great help to me when I started playing with my 310HP 7.4MPI...

Pat McPherson

I use Mobil 1 15-50 in the engine and Merc HP stuff in my drive just like Whiteknuckle.
Better exhaust did not make my boat louder but I have mufflers.
Good Luck!
Happy Boating!

Unitek

Thanks for all the great tips guys !! I appreciate all who have stepped in for advise. I will deffinitly be intrested in those oval port heads in October. Thanks for the list of parts that I will need, will make my life easier now that I know what im gonna have to look for.

Thanks again,

Mike

onesickpantera

iTrader: (1)

Mike, I see your boat is from Michigan. Are you from Michigan too? I've seen a boat just like yours at Torch Lake the last couple times I have been there.

Unitek

I have never been to Torch Lake before and im not sure that boat has either. The guy I bought it from hasnt driven it at all this year so its just been sitting around for about 12 to 14 months. Im outta Laporte Indiana which is right on the boarder of Michigan and Indiana.

Unitek

Anyone know what prop this boat should have on it ? It has a 25p Mirage Plus and its a pooch outta the hole. takes about 30 seconds to get off of plane once it gets on. Im thinking it might need a 22p or a 23p Mirage or just about another 150 hp . Would lab finishing do anything to the 25p speed and torque wise ?

Mike