I am thinking at nearly 700 hours you might want to incorporate the cam into a top end refresh at the minimum with a bottom end check up.

If you really want speed, and to ultimately up the power you need to start with a good foundation and a 20 year old 454 with 700 hours isn't the best footing in my opionion. I woudl hate to see you add all the nice power adds and then come back in a month with shots of a hole in your oil pan and oil all over the bilge.

I'm planning on doing a refresh at the same time, just can't decide if I should leave it as a 454 with a Blower or stroke it and run N/A? I figure a used blower will be cheaper than a good crank and rods for a stroker. Plus I should be able to run a milder cam with the blower, and thus mot have to worry about reversion.

Anyone know if the heads will be sufficient with a refresh and mild Port job? I'm only looking for about 550hp

P.S. I am also planning on doing the Dana Manifolds and risers

I don't mean to burst you bubble but.....

Unless you are completely in love with this boat and plan on keeping it for a LONG time, I would watch my bottom line.

You won't see one dime back on any mods, and you are probably putting more into the boat than it's worth.

After a while you will see a lot of other boats and your plans may change.

Good Luck!

It's ok, I don't care about bottom line. I enjoy a project and will never be able to afford a newer boat, but I can slowly make this one nicer. It's in good shape, has an awesome hull, looks good, and handles great; plus I've allready worked out almost all the bugs that come with most used boats, so why not just improve upon it. I bought the boat for $4750 now have $1500 more into it, and it books for $11,500 average retail.

Have you down a compression or even better a leak down test? A good running 454 mag should swing a 25 inch 3 blade mirage and get you in the mid 60's minimum. I would plan on a rebuild.

I haven't tried the 25 myself. I figured 63 was about right for that much load on a cupped 23.
No, I haven't done a compression check yet. But after thinking about everrything, I think I'm gonna do one Friday, or if I'm bored while at the lake Saturday. I know the oil is clean, exhaust is clear with no extra carbon, and all seems to run good.

I have a 23p Mirage on our 23 Velocity, will push the boat to 70 gps. it also has the 454 mag. Your engine has to be low on compression or something, definitely should be able to get much more speed out of it. Ours is for sale on ebay if anyone else is looking for a 23 Velocity, its a fun boat for the money.

At what rpm?

I agree, where are these speeds coming from, down river and tail wind. The math just is not there.....

just me in the boat, light chop, 5200 rpm I believe. Keep in mind that's with a modified cam (as I was told by the previous owner) not much of a motor guy. I was also told motor should be pushing close to 400hp. There is not much boat in the water at that speed. The boat is a bit scary and likes to dance a little on the top end