landfish

Definitely some good thoughts from you all about this for me to digest.

I was seeing a chart where the 502 fuel consumption is slightly better than the 310-330HP 454 at low RPM (1000-3500). Seems very counter intuitive. But perhaps the 502 is that much more tuned and efficient than a super low compression and ineffecient stock 454. Any thoughts on this?

I have another separate post about the vortec 454, but no answers there yet. Looks to me like a more efficient running 454 (vortec heads, roller cam and lifters, higher compression) than the old base model.

No Coast

With either engine you get cast pistons and 3/8 bolt rods. The hydraulic roller cam will make more torque, the Gen VI block is set up to accept the roller components less expensive but the lifters are less quality. Finally all have a 7 quart oil system. For your fishing boat I would have an engine built that features aftermarket rods i-beam or h-beam, forged pistons, a full length 10-12 quart oil pan, oval port heads, the old gen 4 heads will need machine work to allow higher lift hydraulic cam, hydraulic roller camshaft with tie bar style lifters and a dual plane intake manifold. I would also install a larger oil cooler with a thermostat built in that is mounted to the boat somewhere. Power output will be no different but reliability and strength will be much improved.