cheapest way to increase hp on 454 mag
 

this is really for future reference because i know i will want more speed in the future.
boat-97' 288 sunsation w/454 mag.
whats the best/cheapest way to go.
aftermarket heads , wipple , or some other way?
btw , keep in mind im an idiot when it comes to this stuff :o

supposed to run 65 as is.
would like to reach 80 mph if it wont cost 5k.
i dont mind buying used stuff either so if you guys have a good source please let me know.

thanks ,
steve

Lotoparty- You could get there with a 250cid Blower and a single 1050 Carb. A exhaust manifold change would be good as well.

Good Luck!

Yep! A blower and aftermarket exhaust system would probably be your best bet. A manifold exhaust system such as Stainless Marine or GIL would work well enough.

blower and decent exhaust.

to get 15 mph gains you are gonna have to run decent boost (more than 5psi). You might want to put iconel exhaust valves in. If yu have cast pistons they might need to be exchanged for some forged pistons too. But then you are talking more $$$$.

Whipple is the way to go.

ok , so its going to cost alot more then i thought :(
told yaa i dont know chit about this stuff :o
if i go whipple , what used exhaust should i scour the universe for.

good price on used whipple?
good price on needed used exhaust?

will this setup give the motor a short lifespan?

454 mag is a good candidate for a Whipple - has forged pistons and stout bottom end. Best bang for your buck will be base Whipple and lab the new prop you will have to get as well. That will put you between 77 - 82 depending on load, temp, humidity etc. You should be able to pick up one of the old style whipples for about 4-5K from a mail order place and skip the sales tax. e-mail me if you need some suggestions. Don't bother with the exhaust for this kit - won't make much difference (per Dustin Whipple). You'll need to be a bit careful with the throttle untill you have the $ to Beef up your Drive or swap it out for an XR. You can also add Whipples billet throttle body a bit later for some more HP and torque but it will run you another grand. I've Whippled and procharged both the 454 mag and the 502 mag and been very happy with the whipple. My current boat a 29 Warlock with 502 Went from 62 to 79 with a Whipple. Good luck - have fun

kokopelli's speed prediction sounds right on. My friend has a 288 with 454 Mag / Whipple and EMI exhaust and he runs 78.

Search for tomcat`s thread on his procharged 454 project.

We took a stock 454 Magnum and with some carefully chosen BOLT ON parts, we made some extremely impressive numbers!!!