is this a good cam/set up for my 454?
05-19-2016, 09:26 AM
#31
First, congrats on your new Formula. Having said that it is an '88? I believe that was a transitional year for Alpha/Bravo which is yours? If Alpha it is a330hp peanut port, to be sure call Scott Smith at Formula with your HID# and he can tell you what motor/drive it was born with. At least a starting point.
Good luck.
Good luck.
05-19-2016, 09:31 AM
#32
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This is the way I look at it. Engine has to be removed and Intake has to be pulled to change the cam anyway, so.....let's get this party started ! LOL.
To the OP - what made you dig into this engine thing anyway ? Was it not running right ? or power down ? Or you simply got the receipt with the boat and your eyes popped out ?
To the OP - what made you dig into this engine thing anyway ? Was it not running right ? or power down ? Or you simply got the receipt with the boat and your eyes popped out ?
05-19-2016, 09:33 AM
#33
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First, congrats on your new Formula. Having said that it is an '88? I believe that was a transitional year for Alpha/Bravo which is yours? If Alpha it is a330hp peanut port, to be sure call Scott Smith at Formula with your HID# and he can tell you what motor/drive it was born with. At least a starting point.
Good luck.
Good luck.
05-19-2016, 12:50 PM
#35
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Mag motor or something close!
Interestingly, the cam may not be "that" bad considering the pistons used. Looks like it has a set of SRP 212142 small dome forged pistons down in the holes. With a factory chamber volume of around 118 cc's, that would put her right around 10:1, approximately. That's a whole lot more doable than having that cam with a 8.5:1 motor, though you'll definitely want to run premium fuel to ward off detonation.
I couldn't get info on the exhaust valves, but rejoice in the fact that you have some nice Manley 2.25 intake valves in whatever heads you have bolted on top of that block!
** Exhaust valves are a 1.88 (1.875) standard replacement piece from SB International (supplier of cylinder head parts for the rebuilder business).**
Block information would be helpful... can you get the casting number off the block at the bell-housing, port side? There's also a stamping right above the water pump inline with the thermostat bypass hose. The code stamped there will help identify what it was originally.
Looks like you may very well have a decent foundation there. Just need a "little more" info to wrap it up.
TZ
Interestingly, the cam may not be "that" bad considering the pistons used. Looks like it has a set of SRP 212142 small dome forged pistons down in the holes. With a factory chamber volume of around 118 cc's, that would put her right around 10:1, approximately. That's a whole lot more doable than having that cam with a 8.5:1 motor, though you'll definitely want to run premium fuel to ward off detonation.
I couldn't get info on the exhaust valves, but rejoice in the fact that you have some nice Manley 2.25 intake valves in whatever heads you have bolted on top of that block!
** Exhaust valves are a 1.88 (1.875) standard replacement piece from SB International (supplier of cylinder head parts for the rebuilder business).**
Block information would be helpful... can you get the casting number off the block at the bell-housing, port side? There's also a stamping right above the water pump inline with the thermostat bypass hose. The code stamped there will help identify what it was originally.
Looks like you may very well have a decent foundation there. Just need a "little more" info to wrap it up.
TZ
Last edited by TomZ; 05-19-2016 at 01:24 PM. Reason: Found exhaust valve info!
05-19-2016, 01:23 PM
#36
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Fman, did you get Formula's "big red book" that originally came with the boat? If you haven't seen it, it may be stowed in one of your cabinets. It would have everything in terms of how your boat was built. Mine had all of the engine info as well as test data from Formula quality control and open water testing. It could tell you a lot of stuff.
Another option would be to call Formula... they can tell you exactly how it was built and optioned.
I'd bet that the boat was built with a 454 Mag, and that the motor you have there is the original, but rebuilt/upgraded. It does not seem like it came with a 330 to me (sleeved block, etc). The only rub here is that someone goofed with the cam/compression deal... though in hind sight it's not as bad as originally considered.
Anyway... hope this helps you out some.
Another option would be to call Formula... they can tell you exactly how it was built and optioned.
I'd bet that the boat was built with a 454 Mag, and that the motor you have there is the original, but rebuilt/upgraded. It does not seem like it came with a 330 to me (sleeved block, etc). The only rub here is that someone goofed with the cam/compression deal... though in hind sight it's not as bad as originally considered.
Anyway... hope this helps you out some.
05-19-2016, 01:35 PM
#38
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Fman, did you get Formula's "big red book" that originally came with the boat? If you haven't seen it, it may be stowed in one of your cabinets. It would have everything in terms of how your boat was built. Mine had all of the engine info as well as test data from Formula quality control and open water testing. It could tell you a lot of stuff.
Another option would be to call Formula... they can tell you exactly how it was built and optioned.
I'd bet that the boat was built with a 454 Mag, and that the motor you have there is the original, but rebuilt/upgraded. It does not seem like it came with a 330 to me (sleeved block, etc). The only rub here is that someone goofed with the cam/compression deal... though in hind sight it's not as bad as originally considered.
Anyway... hope this helps you out some.
Another option would be to call Formula... they can tell you exactly how it was built and optioned.
I'd bet that the boat was built with a 454 Mag, and that the motor you have there is the original, but rebuilt/upgraded. It does not seem like it came with a 330 to me (sleeved block, etc). The only rub here is that someone goofed with the cam/compression deal... though in hind sight it's not as bad as originally considered.
Anyway... hope this helps you out some.
05-19-2016, 01:55 PM
#39
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Very possible that isn't even the engine that came in that boat with as old as it is. Surely aren't peanut port heads with those size intake valves. Things are definitely looking better here but one problem I see. Not so sure about those exhaust valves being used with that combo. Really should have Inconel's. Can see by the parts list that engine had a severely damaged cylinder which required a sleeve and a piston replacement. Also a lot of valve work was done, guides and seats. Very possibly dropped a valve and they just figured it was a bad part. I surely wouldn't run it at WOT for extended periods with those exhaust valves.
