hp 500 cam upgrade ?
 

hey guys ,i'm looking for second opinions here. i'm running an hp500 carb motor in a 24 foot, 7' beam,(Pantera,Superboat type hull)approx. 4000 lb. boat. present cam is the crane 169611 (222-230) (576-598) motor also has lightning headers and a nickerson holley carb. i had an engine builder recently suggest the crane 168731 cam (226-236)(587-610) for an upgrade in my particular set up. the boat seems to make too much power down on the bottom end and not enough on the top with the current cam,he said the 731 will calm down the bottom end and increase the mid -top range power. it sounded great to me , i have seen this cam recommended on this site for the 500,one concern is this is not a race boat,but a pleasure ride that i use mostly on the connecticut river, does the 731 have problems idling thru long no wake zones,and are there any reversion issues using my set up?

Heads are what brings the potential power to an engine, the cam makes use of it. The BBC heads on the HP hvae great potential but due to some "restictive" areas in both intake and exhaust ports, they limit power. By changing cams you are sacrificing one area to crutch another. I would suggest get a set of aftermarket heads, better flowing, and keep the stock camshaft and you will see improved power overall.

Chris