454 build
12-24-2011, 08:33 AM
#11
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If you want 500 hp this is what you're going to need to do, however you need to remember that 500 hp vs 450 hp is going to cost you about an extra $3000+.
Your intake is good, don't change that, as is your rotating assembly. 9.5 CR is good if you’re going to run 93 octane with iron heads. If you go aluminum you could go as high as 10.4 IF everything is designed correctly. I was running 10.4 on my engine and never had any issues. Next you’re going to need a great set of heads. You may be able to make your stock oval ports flow BUT it’s going to cost you far more than just buying a nice set of Brodix or AFR ovals. When I was thinking about having a bare set of Merlin heads ported, valves, springs, ect I was going to have over $2000 into just that not including the cost of the heads. I ended up going with a set of AFR 265 Ovals on my engine and they were fantastic heads. Next you’re going to have to get a roller cam. Call Bob Madera at Marine Kinetics for this. Calling Bob first is the best thing you will ever do. He will save you a lot of frustration and time. Then you’re going to need a good set of manifolds. If it was me I wouldn't waste your money on tubular headers, other than looking cool you won't see any real power gains and they have a problem with leaking as they age and they’re expensive.
Another option would be to stroke your engine. A 450 hp 454 would be close to 500 hp in a 496 all things remaining the same. Remember the end difference between 450 hp to 500 hp is going to be around 2.5 mph. You could also just build the 450 hp 454, then send your prop to Brett at BBlades and have him lab it and you’ll get the extra 2-3 mph for $300 vs $4000 that you will need for all extra. Others will chime in on this, but from all the research I’ve done over the years on this, this is what I’ve been told.
Good Luck with your engine!
Your intake is good, don't change that, as is your rotating assembly. 9.5 CR is good if you’re going to run 93 octane with iron heads. If you go aluminum you could go as high as 10.4 IF everything is designed correctly. I was running 10.4 on my engine and never had any issues. Next you’re going to need a great set of heads. You may be able to make your stock oval ports flow BUT it’s going to cost you far more than just buying a nice set of Brodix or AFR ovals. When I was thinking about having a bare set of Merlin heads ported, valves, springs, ect I was going to have over $2000 into just that not including the cost of the heads. I ended up going with a set of AFR 265 Ovals on my engine and they were fantastic heads. Next you’re going to have to get a roller cam. Call Bob Madera at Marine Kinetics for this. Calling Bob first is the best thing you will ever do. He will save you a lot of frustration and time. Then you’re going to need a good set of manifolds. If it was me I wouldn't waste your money on tubular headers, other than looking cool you won't see any real power gains and they have a problem with leaking as they age and they’re expensive.
Another option would be to stroke your engine. A 450 hp 454 would be close to 500 hp in a 496 all things remaining the same. Remember the end difference between 450 hp to 500 hp is going to be around 2.5 mph. You could also just build the 450 hp 454, then send your prop to Brett at BBlades and have him lab it and you’ll get the extra 2-3 mph for $300 vs $4000 that you will need for all extra. Others will chime in on this, but from all the research I’ve done over the years on this, this is what I’ve been told.
Good Luck with your engine!
12-24-2011, 10:58 AM
#12
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If you want 500 hp this is what you're going to need to do, however you need to remember that 500 hp vs 450 hp is going to cost you about an extra $3000+.
Your intake is good, don't change that, as is your rotating assembly. 9.5 CR is good if you’re going to run 93 octane with iron heads. If you go aluminum you could go as high as 10.4 IF everything is designed correctly. I was running 10.4 on my engine and never had any issues. Next you’re going to need a great set of heads. You may be able to make your stock oval ports flow BUT it’s going to cost you far more than just buying a nice set of Brodix or AFR ovals. When I was thinking about having a bare set of Merlin heads ported, valves, springs, ect I was going to have over $2000 into just that not including the cost of the heads. I ended up going with a set of AFR 265 Ovals on my engine and they were fantastic heads. Next you’re going to have to get a roller cam. Call Bob Madera at Marine Kinetics for this. Calling Bob first is the best thing you will ever do. He will save you a lot of frustration and time. Then you’re going to need a good set of manifolds. If it was me I wouldn't waste your money on tubular headers, other than looking cool you won't see any real power gains and they have a problem with leaking as they age and they’re expensive.
Another option would be to stroke your engine. A 450 hp 454 would be close to 500 hp in a 496 all things remaining the same. Remember the end difference between 450 hp to 500 hp is going to be around 2.5 mph. You could also just build the 450 hp 454, then send your prop to Brett at BBlades and have him lab it and you’ll get the extra 2-3 mph for $300 vs $4000 that you will need for all extra. Others will chime in on this, but from all the research I’ve done over the years on this, this is what I’ve been told.
Good Luck with your engine!
Your intake is good, don't change that, as is your rotating assembly. 9.5 CR is good if you’re going to run 93 octane with iron heads. If you go aluminum you could go as high as 10.4 IF everything is designed correctly. I was running 10.4 on my engine and never had any issues. Next you’re going to need a great set of heads. You may be able to make your stock oval ports flow BUT it’s going to cost you far more than just buying a nice set of Brodix or AFR ovals. When I was thinking about having a bare set of Merlin heads ported, valves, springs, ect I was going to have over $2000 into just that not including the cost of the heads. I ended up going with a set of AFR 265 Ovals on my engine and they were fantastic heads. Next you’re going to have to get a roller cam. Call Bob Madera at Marine Kinetics for this. Calling Bob first is the best thing you will ever do. He will save you a lot of frustration and time. Then you’re going to need a good set of manifolds. If it was me I wouldn't waste your money on tubular headers, other than looking cool you won't see any real power gains and they have a problem with leaking as they age and they’re expensive.
Another option would be to stroke your engine. A 450 hp 454 would be close to 500 hp in a 496 all things remaining the same. Remember the end difference between 450 hp to 500 hp is going to be around 2.5 mph. You could also just build the 450 hp 454, then send your prop to Brett at BBlades and have him lab it and you’ll get the extra 2-3 mph for $300 vs $4000 that you will need for all extra. Others will chime in on this, but from all the research I’ve done over the years on this, this is what I’ve been told.
Good Luck with your engine!
Last edited by aafed; 12-24-2011 at 06:30 PM.
12-25-2011, 12:55 PM
#13
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Your gonna need a decent aftermarket exhaust to reap any real benefits of a cam swap, better intake, carb, etc.
I would guess to hit mid 60's, your gonna need about 450HP minimum. This might be tough out of a peanut port headed 454 with a flat tappet stick. I don't think those heads are gonna flow much above 5000rpm.
I would guess to hit mid 60's, your gonna need about 450HP minimum. This might be tough out of a peanut port headed 454 with a flat tappet stick. I don't think those heads are gonna flow much above 5000rpm.
12-25-2011, 04:07 PM
#14
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Your gonna need a decent aftermarket exhaust to reap any real benefits of a cam swap, better intake, carb, etc.
I would guess to hit mid 60's, your gonna need about 450HP minimum. This might be tough out of a peanut port headed 454 with a flat tappet stick. I don't think those heads are gonna flow much above 5000rpm.
I would guess to hit mid 60's, your gonna need about 450HP minimum. This might be tough out of a peanut port headed 454 with a flat tappet stick. I don't think those heads are gonna flow much above 5000rpm.
12-25-2011, 06:02 PM
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I have a set of mildly ported and bowl blended oval port heads with 2.19 1.88 ss valves they check out at 114 ccs the only thing I dont have is exhaust and a cam so any help would be great keep in mind I dont want it to be a slug outa the hole so i def dont want a cam thats top end only.
12-30-2011, 03:54 PM
#16
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Well I have a set of CMI headers on the way and Bob M is going to be setting me up with the cam he thinks will work well.The only thing I am missing is a carb would a 750 holley be enough to feed this thing? I was also thinking about putting a air fuel monitor on the boat it seams like It would help me get it dialed in quicker since i am not going to be putting it on a dyno. Does anyone have any preferences with a brand.
01-03-2012, 11:12 PM
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I personally went through almost all of this last winter with my 454/330hp. I took a bone stock motor swapped the heads, cam, installed roller rockers, did 2 intake swaps (performer rpm and dart...the performer rpm responded better), msd ignition, a Holley 750dp, stainless marine exhaust, new fuel system, etc, etc.....
I posted a lot of info and recieved a lot of good info durring the build/upgrade including prop testing that might be useful. You could look it up under my username or if I remember correctly "454 upgrades".
My upgrades were done on a 89 warlock euro24 with a 454/330hp. This is what I got out of it after the motor and prop upgrades......
Stock: 62mph (w/ 4 adults in the boat) on gps
After: 74.9mph (w/ 2 adults and a teenager) on gps.
Best of luck to you on your upgrades and I hope this info might help you out.
I posted a lot of info and recieved a lot of good info durring the build/upgrade including prop testing that might be useful. You could look it up under my username or if I remember correctly "454 upgrades".
My upgrades were done on a 89 warlock euro24 with a 454/330hp. This is what I got out of it after the motor and prop upgrades......
Stock: 62mph (w/ 4 adults in the boat) on gps
After: 74.9mph (w/ 2 adults and a teenager) on gps.
Best of luck to you on your upgrades and I hope this info might help you out.
