I looked at a boat today which was advertised as a carb 454 mag. But when I checked it out, the motor had a non-aluminum intake?? The guy then said its a 330hp mag which I didnt think they made in 1997.

So is this a "mag" with the forged internals etc.? Or the same internals they used on the 7.4 310hp etc??

Not a MAG.

Farg, thats what I thought. Oh well, the search continues

Basically a truck engine with cast internals, I believe. If the price was good enough you’d be happier with dropping in a 502 or better anyways.

OEM stock Merc carb 454 big block for model year 1997 was the last year for carb apps. and imo that engine is possible NOT a 1997 nor a 1996. Its older than that IMO

310 hp non mag was the MPI model and 300 hp was the non mag carb model

stock OEM Merc for the 7.4 used this T stat housing for 1996 and 1997 carb apps

MerCruiser 7.4L Bravo (Gen. VI) GM 454 V-8 1996-1997 Thermostat Housing (Standard Cooling) Parts