Looking to Repower over the Winter
 

I just had my 24SE winterized and asked the shop to look into the tapping sound my engine has been making. The mechanic put a stethaschope on the engine and said the sound is coming from the block is more likely a knock from a rod or wrist pin, on number 4 or 6. This the same side that had lower compression on the survey on the same two cylinders, thought it was in the heads. Without a complete teardown anyway to be for certain?

Worst case scenario, what's best way to go considering the economy, rebuild, upgrade or if anyone in the area has something that might work. My current setup is a 454 mag, carbed. Trying to keep this on a budget. I was told 5 - 6K to rebuild from one shop. Jasper engines, would pick up and return with a rebuild for 4K. Victory marine has 502's for about 5K.

Unless, you personally know the person rebuilding it and they guarrantee it, I wouldn't send it to get a rebuild...instead just get a new shortblock from Chevy.

https://store.gmperformanceparts.com/store/SelectProd.do?prodId=7653&redir=true&manufacturer= GM&category=Engines&name=454%20Partial%20Engine%20 &model=<!--12498778-->

how about a decent 500efi for 7500?

I'm on a budget...the 500 efi sounds nice but out of my price range....I got a quote for refreshing with the same set up for about $3500.00 I'm roughly around 400 maybe 415hp, a dyno will tell, for 6K i was quoted a bump up to 500hp with additional accessories to support the increase.

Anyone used or familiar with Owens Racing Engines in Pearland, Houston Metro area.

Nice low hour 502
 

:drink:Good friend of mine just went to larger power and is selling this low hour 502, its complete with Headers and all accessories...I know its higher than your range ...but its a clean and sharp looking package.

Can't hurt to call? Good Luck!

http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o26410-en.html

Doc :ernaehrung004:

Aren't marine bottom ends set up with different clearances than automotive applications? So if you go to jasper or gmpp, I'd think you'd need to make sure you're getting a marine shortblock.

The jasper build would be using my long block, 4K to pick up and return door to door, stock spec rebuild.

Locally, Owens Racing Engines here in Houston has been mentioned several times. Feel free to jump in if anyone has feedback. Build costs $2500 - $2900 stock rebuild 454 mag, $3800 - $4500 to build a stroker 480hp to 525hp.

I'd do the stock rebuild with a little hotter cam like the 420HP Merc/Crane of the late 80s early 90s.
Add some good exhaust manifolds like Stainlees Marine and you're good to go for under $4500.

Pat, you still got leads on those volvo 496s?

How many hours on the 454? Are you sure the exhaust gaskets are good? I don't think slightly lower compression is related to the noise but I could be wrong. I have seen where 1/4 turn on a valve adjustment and new exhaust gaskets make a 500 hr motor sound and run like new..

Good question, my riser gaskets and turbulators, (phonetic) were bad when i bought the boat. I havent pulled the manifolds yet, there GIL's I believe. I agree with what your thinking my thoughts as well....I was going to tear the top end off this winter and look through it....thought about changing the heads....if the last mechanic was right that used a stethascope, ignoring a rebuild could get really expensive. I've seen some good reviews on Owens Racing Engines here in Houston after researching the forum...saw one bad review that was related to taking forever to get the engine back. Owens suggested changing the cam to a different type...I don't remember if it was a roller or not...said the cam was about $300 and the lifters about $500, substantially higher than stock...if I went with the 500hp - 525hp for a stroker build that type of cam would be used. The stroker was the max the shop suggested on that engine for dependability and longevity.

Regarding hours....I have no idea...there is not an hour meter on the boat....If Dave I bought the boat from is reading...feel free to jump in....I'm not sure if he got a quote from the previous owner...seems like the guy he bought the boat from had 600hp in it, then dropped the mag in the boat when he sold it, I may be wrong but thats my best recollection.

Sounds like the best thing to do is get the thing out and apart. Do some basic inspections yourself.

Check:B
Bearings for wear
Look at piston skirts
look at cylinders

You may need to only ring and bearing the things and spend your money on a good cam, lifter, intake. If you have Gill exhaust now your good to go.