Spend the money on exhaust, put it together and hope for the best. Watch e-bay for exhaust or post a want add here on OSO.
Try to save some cash for the unforseen...

Put those weird exhausts on your lawnmower.
I'd run stock center rise Mercruisers before I'd run those logs.

I'd probably be inclined to agree with everyone that says put it together and have fun this summer. But there are definite improvements to be had for a nominal amount of money in the engines you've got. Wait until next winter to start that project. I'll still be glad to send you the partslist we use if you want it.

which exhaust should i get.....??????

ever heard of bassett headers i can pick them up
for $3000 for 2 sets..... thats what he had on the boat with the 540's....

DITTO!!!!!!

Get some good exhaust and put the engines in the boat. Who knows, you might need that budgeted money later after you get all the bugs worked out. You will more than likely gain 30+ hp by just adding the exhaust.

Then dial the boat in with a new set of labbed props for another $1400 and your budget's nearly gone.

I would keep the engines stock and then run a new set of exhaust. The 330 is a good reliable stock engine. It has cast piston and 2 bolt mains. Not really an engine that you want to hop up. To add the additional bolts and forged pistons will require a complete teardown which doesn't make much sense. In the meantime, $2500 per motor will get you some used elbow tops and depending on how well you can bargain you might have enough left over for new tail pipes. If you want to build the motors you'll need the better exhaust anyways. Remember-if you want to stay naturally aspirated you may need a longer primary than the elbowtop. A longer primary won't hurt.

When you do fire your motors remember that they've been sitting for a long time. I would assume that most of the assembly lube has run off the bearings. If it's never been fired the cam should be pulled and relubed. If nothing else you should prime the oiling system.

i pulled 1 of the oil pans and see the the assembly lube is still on.
to the touch it feels sticky , is this ok????

I could be wrong but I think you could get some Lightnings for about the same money if you beat the dealer up bad enough. Looking and pricing is free.

You can get new Lightnings for $1400 a set! They make as much power as the CMI's for half the money.

Any good leads on where to find these Lightnings for $1400 a set!
?????