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-   -   What size carb for 454? (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/219264-what-size-carb-454-a.html)

Notalent 01-28-2010 08:31 AM


Originally Posted by picklenjim (Post 3032988)
Brandon, I don't think anyone replying to this thread was in any way bashing your companies products. Unfortunately not everyone owns a dyno so all we can do is compare the components of that engine with components of a like engine of known horsepower. Rick never stated that it had domed pistons in it and in my experience with engine building I wouldn't have thought anyone would put domed pistons into a otherwise stock low HP engine. I figured the compression ratio stated was just a mistake. All the parts there are comparable to that of a 365 HP Merc engine (8.75:1 cr) with exception to the pistons. Then Rick stated it would only turn 4600 rpm at WOT and I figured that was about right for a motor of 375-400 hp in that boat.

In 1970 Chevrolet built the LS6 450 hp. It had better heads with bigger valves, a bigger camshaft, higher compression (11:1) and a dual plane with a 800 Holley.

I know this, but I know Rick did and yourself and the Getrdunn said it would never make the power.. People never post the facts or specs....they always assume its the engine builders fault. When you upgrade your engine, its not just going to run faster...there's always more work that needs to be done to compliment the engine. I hope you didn't take what I said in a mean demeanor, its just you always see people post stuff like this and most don't know what they are talking about and are the guys who believe the magazines....:lolhit:

I have the dyno in a PDF format if someone knows how to post it, I cant figure it out for the life of me :drink: If so, post your email and you can post it for me.

As far as the hypereutectic opinions...tell that to the thousands of other boaters with similar combinations, more power and the same pistons. On my 26ft Sleekcraft I ran a similar setup with slighly more power, same compression and pistons and it lasted me about 300hrs before I decided to freshen her up. We have sold dozens of these in the last couple years and not a call back on this engine. Its not meant to be a racer, just an upgrade. We do call for 92 octane or better...so as long as its not lower they should be fine.

getrdunn 01-28-2010 01:38 PM


Originally Posted by Griff (Post 3033240)
IMO, that compression ratio is too high in a marine engine with Hypereutectic pistons, iron heads and pump fuel. Lets see how/if its running in a year.

If I were him at this point is pull the heads and do some creative bowl work. If he could get the cc's up to about 125 or so he would probably be OK. As we all know marine engines are under a continuous load in comparrison to that of a street engine. Personally I would never go any higher than 9.5 to 1 with iron heads. Even though you have good intentions of filling on land there always seems to be that time where your stuck with what you have available on the water.

getrdunn 01-28-2010 05:47 PM

I have the dyno in a PDF format if someone knows how to post it, I cant figure it out for the life of me :drink: If so, post your email and you can post it for me.



Send it to me and I will get it posted.
[email protected]

Advantage 575 01-28-2010 07:15 PM

Original question i'd use 750 marine carb i wouldn't go boating with an auto car. Burning fiberglass blows I agree with Griff, young and Getrdunn on the rest. To much CR on a marine engine, with that timing i'd think she will rattle to destruction. Evenly as possible open up some more the head chamber CC's and back the timing down. With a two bolt block and the KB pistons, drop your WOT RPM range. On your next build try something like griff's spec's or look up some of youngs stuff, I have also built several similar to this and they scream. Your next build think roller cam with a good lobe seperation. Short boating seasons and winterizing hates flat tappets. Marine BBC love easy CR and split duration rollers. Forged pistons in a marine engine, total load off idle to WOT. Not bashing your engine guy, if you leave it as is, change timing and make sure you keep it richer than lean!!

getrdunn 01-29-2010 08:34 AM

1 Attachment(s)
dyno sheet

getrdunn 01-29-2010 08:52 AM

Nice job... Surprised to see the torque only drops off just over 50 ft pds from peak (4,200) to desired running RPM at 5,200/peak HP. A good rule of thumb is to have Max running RPM 800 to 1,000 over peak torque, which in this case is right there. Nice conservative package, good torque curve.

endeavour32 01-29-2010 09:04 AM

Here is a formula to help you figure out what carb size you need. I'm sure some people will disagree, but I've been told this formula buy more than one good engine builder. I hope I made it easy to understand!
Take your engine size and divide it by 8 (454/8= 56.75)
Then take that number an multiply by 4 (4x56 = 227 cubic inches) 4 is used becuase this is the number of cylinders drawing from the carb with every revolution of the crank.
Now take your cubic inch number (227) and convert it into cubic feet. So divide (227/1728= .1312)
Your almost there- take the .1312 cu ft number and muliply it by the rpms you will be spinning. And that is the carb size you will need to run. Note this is for a theretical engine that has 100% volumetric effeciency! Which for that to happen your exhaust would need to be working at 100%! This is HIGHLY unlikely, 80-90% is more case. So as you can see you really don't need a big carb. Below are some rpm carb size suggestions for your 454
4900- 650 cfm
5100- 700 cfm
5700- 750 cfm

Notalent 01-29-2010 09:15 AM


Originally Posted by getrdunn (Post 3034267)
Nice job... Surprised to see the torque only drops off just over 50 ft pds from peak (4,200) to desired running RPM at 5,200/peak HP. A good rule of thumb is to have Max running RPM 800 to 1,000 over peak torque, which in this case is right there. Nice conservative package, good torque curve.

Thanks for posting up the dyno and the props :drink: We have been testing other packages with these heads...these are basically untouched 781 heads..the other engines we are releasing are 454-505ci Hyd Roller cams, worked over 781 heads pushing 600+ HP for a reasonable cost.

getrdunn 01-29-2010 08:24 PM


Originally Posted by endeavour32 (Post 3034277)
Here is a formula to help you figure out what carb size you need. I'm sure some people will disagree, but I've been told this formula buy more than one good engine builder. I hope I made it easy to understand!
Take your engine size and divide it by 8 (454/8= 56.75)
Then take that number an multiply by 4 (4x56 = 227 cubic inches) 4 is used becuase this is the number of cylinders drawing from the carb with every revolution of the crank.
Now take your cubic inch number (227) and convert it into cubic feet. So divide (227/1728= .1312)
Your almost there- take the .1312 cu ft number and muliply it by the rpms you will be spinning. And that is the carb size you will need to run. Note this is for a theretical engine that has 100% volumetric effeciency! Which for that to happen your exhaust would need to be working at 100%! This is HIGHLY unlikely, 80-90% is more case. So as you can see you really don't need a big carb. Below are some rpm carb size suggestions for your 454
4900- 650 cfm
5100- 700 cfm
5700- 750 cfm

I've never had much faith in carb calculators however I would have to say this actually seems to be closer to that of the old theory. Surprized I haven't seen this one before. Makes a little more sense. Like I said earlier, learn something new every day..

SB 01-31-2010 07:34 AM


Originally Posted by powerquest rick (Post 2982226)
Thanks, guys. I've been racking my brain trying to get what ATK said it should run out of it. Go figure, they misadvertised. Anyone reading this, be advised that although their prices are good, their service is crap (I had all kinds of problems with them just to get this engine) and apperantly so is their advertising and their word. Next time I'll definitely pony up the $ and get something from a reputable builder.

They don't know how to spec I/O marine engines yet. Their 540cid 600hp engine has too much camshaft and too big of cylinder heads. How else would a 540cid with Dart Pro 1's only make 600hp and not run well to boot?

I've been following their marine builds (and believe it or not their questions to fellow forum members) all over the net and don't know why they come up with the parts combo's they do.

Not bashing, just my presence and data collecting. It is what it is and they are who they are.


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