I agree, stay away from the small block. You need cubes. or you'll be back on here looking for a trade..

Absolutely. I've piloted boats with 300 hp SB engines, and there is no comparison to the 300 hp BB.

You need a 496 or 502 or it will be a dog.

Well, I agree and disagree.

A stout small block is a wicked instrument, but a VERY expensive difficult proposition to do correctly, and frankly your normal guy just doesn't do it right.

I know I have one that makes 500 HP and 500Lb ft- its wicked cool & puts big blocks on the trailer in my little boat- but it was EXPENSIVE in comparison.

Here is it on the dyno-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYE_gwoQcZ8

Deal is- its just easier to get it done with a big block and anything 400hp or over - per HP it will be cheaper than a small block, and there are almost an unlimited amount of used marine BBC parts.

Take a look at Pslonakers stuff- hard to beat for the dough, and likely a similar combo to what Id build on my next project, and you cant not like the guy.

(Note: there are many GREAT builders on this site and we chase off the lousy ones)

Uncle Dave