The weather here in Portland, OR is rainy and cold, so what's better to do today than DREAM about the heat in storage and what next winters project should be.

I've posted a couple of times and appreciate all of the feed back. Thanks -

Now I know that procharger on the mid - tired 502 Mag is a bad idea d/t hours and the standard Bravo I drive.

So, I am wanting to plan for next winter. First, I really like to do most work myself. I have spent a lot of time on old camaros with HP. I know KNOW that it is much different with marine. I can't remember who posted it a while ago but they said anyone can figure out how to go 100 mph for 14 seconds. It is a different story going a 100 mph for 14 miles!! Awesome.

Anyway, the goals.

1. SAFETY.
2. About 80 MPH.
3. Dependible.

So with that in mind. New/different drive and hydraulic steering A MUST. But what drive and anybody have a favorite steering system?

Next - do I start with the 502 block and go from there or would it make more sense to buy a crate long block and bolt on the EFI? I still like the idea of using the ATI M3sc procharger due to the fact of the charge temperature and longevity would seem to follow.

I have a lot of time. Because our boating season ends here usually on Labor Day weekend. I would really like to be ahead of the game and have a lot of this stuff lined up ( bought or if engine rebuild is the idea - a good builder ).

Help me dream of what I need to do..

Thanks guys!! I hope the weather where you are is better than here!

Brad

Hey Stout,

Check with Linster. He's on this forum and is as good as it gets when it comes to non-blown big block power.

Any thouhgts Linne?

First off, you need about 650 available HP to run 80. That means you need to build an engine that makes 700+ corrected HP to be able to run that speed in the summer heat with a load in the boat, more if you are boating at higher altitude. The least expensive way is to go supercharged. You could refresh your engine, upgrade the cam, valves and springs and install a Whipple 500 EFI S/C. You could do the same with a procharger, but you'd need to get the ECM programmed correctly and a 2 bar map sensor. If your engine is a MEFI 1 you'd need to replace it with a MEFI 3/4 ECM or even better an aftermarket ECU and an 02 sensor to tune with.

For a drive an XR will hold up if you go easy on it. At a minimum go with the cable assist hydraulic steering, best is full hydraulic. That boat handles really well at 80 with hydraulic steering.

I had a 650 HP naturally aspirated engine in a 28. It would run 75 (+/-) in 100 degree temps at 700 ft. elevation. I'm sure it would have come close to 80 at sea level and 60 degree weather.

Brad,

We just finished a 500EFI that I converted to a 540EFI. Precision just dynoed and calibrated to ECU. We put in Scat cranks and rods. SRP pistons, balanced the assembly. We used a Crane Hydralic roller 242/246 @.050 112Lobes. Dart Iron Eagle heads that were blended in. 50lb injectors. Arizona Throttle body.

Made 630HP @5400RPM
Made 699.90 Ft lbs Torque @ 4300RPM.

Keep in mind Precision is very conservative with the numbers.

I really like the IMCO steering the best. Full Hydraulic to the helm.

Dave (Nordic Flame) has a lot of experience with these boats. He has tried most all the engine options you are looking at so he may be able to guide you as well.

XR Drive

If a blower. Whipple is the way to go but you will need to get it tuned by dyno. Sent it to Mark if that is what you end up doing.

Keep us informed.