Hi,
just bought a 28' cat with 330 ,454 Merc. Seems too litttle.
I have the 330 and a 454 mag with rec heads. As well I have Stelling headers. Both engines in need of rebuild. What way shall I go? I want to receive reliable 500 hp+. Shall I install a blower or as I have to rebuild, stroke the engine to 496 and let it n/a?
Will I get 500 hp from a n/a 496?
thanx
Andree

I would at least start w/ the mag w/ forged crank and conn. rods.
I have a markIV and rebuilding right now.
see post:
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=95743

You can get 600hp out of a N/A 496. You could duplicate a 525SC with the 454 Mag and have a very reliable engine also.

I was just going through the same decision process, 27 cat twin 454mags. I ended up sticking with my bottom end and going with brodix aluminum cnc heads, roller hyd. valve train, 177 blowers, custom carbs, MSD, dana exhaust and other goodies. Tyler Crokett sold me the properly matched parts. Should be 600HP reliable. But the cost really keeps going up. Little things you don't immediately think of...upgraded drives to XR, guages, new fuel water seperators, drive couplers. But I'm excited about getting this done. Like a lot of people have said on the board, speed costs money. I would give a builder like Tyler a call. He'll tell you what can be done and how much it would cost and how much HP you'll get. Eric

I hear ya there.