Now that the 496 is discontinued they are getting harder to find and the 502 MPI has been discontinued for years so finding three of them in excellent shape with low hours is difficult too and all the new engines are catalyzed. Up here we have a year before catalyzed engines are mandated, with a few loop holes. So getting good used big blocks is going to get difficult. Converting bravo 1's to 3's isn't that big a deal and if you're going to keep the boat for a while you might want to get a couple quotes for converting to twins and run a couple 500-550hp 502's. One less engine to maintain, purchase, etc. Obviously spreading the load around makes it easier on drives but if it is propped correctly and operated within it's power range you're good to go. There is no need to upgrade drives unless you're going to put more power through them then they are rated for. There are some other options too but first you should really nail down what your performance expectations are and what you want to do with the boat.. Sounds like a fun project though. Good luck!

just buy 3 496HO take outs,,,there are plenty here on OSO for sale this would be the cheapest way,,, plus with a big heavy boat you need to spread the load,,, trust me i know...

Thats exactly what I want, if you know of any, please pass them my way. Originally the 502's had 420HP and gave her a top end of 62MPH. So anything in the 385-420 HP range will work.

Cheers
Mark

ok how about bull dogs...

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...bull-dogs.html

oops edit they were sold!

They would have been perfect! Little pricey though.