johnnyletrois

He's asking $15k, which is way too much IMO. I'm looking at it on Saturday. Will pay particular attention to the deck, stringers, and transom for soft spots and water.

What gen 454 do you think? He says it's a 1996 or 1998.

going bigger

Unless it has a 500EFI, I would look elsewhere. Wouldn't even waste my time or his

phughes69

Yes way too much for an undocumented boat. You can get into a 242 LS for less than that and most of them had BBC.

KAAMA

iTrader: (1)

I remember these engines when they first arrived on the market from Merc...and if I remember correctly, the Merc 365hp 454cid Magnum engine had all Forged parts in them...forged crank, forged 7/16" bolt dimpled rods, forged pistons, flat tappet cam, and the GM rectangle port heads....so, you have good Forged parts to start with.

Here's something that can get you near the ballpark----You could get a little more kick out of them by replacing the flat tappet cam with a new hyd roller profile, replace the old "stamped steel" rocker arms with some new/better roller rocker arms, replace the old Rochester carb with something like a 800cfm Holley and something like a Dart open plane intake manifold and should put you at about the 500hp mark @5500rpm or so.

The thing is, is that you will need a good set of exhausts like a Stainless Marine exhaust manifold system to move the air and let it breath well.

Just my .02

johnnyletrois

Thanks everyone. Any idea if it's gen iv, v, or vi?

97FASTech

iTrader: (6)

Where are you located? I have a 97 FASTech HP500 you could look at.

johnnyletrois

Seattle. I like the old 233 Formula because it's a great deep v solid hull. Max speed isn't my thing as long as it cruises well. Seller claims 30 knot cruise and 55 knots WOT. I'm more than happy with that. I just want something to fish/crab with in the San Juans that is reliable.

RT930turbo

Super strange on the serial numbers... Transom assm. comes back as a blackhawk, and you're right about the engine. Doesn't make a bit of sense!

If the fuel pump is mounted on the sea pump, I't a GEN V or VI.

RT930turbo

Super strange on the serial numbers... Transom assm. comes back as a blackhawk, and you're right about the engine. Doesn't make a bit of sense!

If the fuel pump is mounted on the sea pump, I't a GEN V or VI.

mike tkach

iTrader: (3)

96 was the first year for gen6.gen5 454 was 91 through 95.get the block casting number located near the bellhousing area,it will tell what the block is.