Just bought a 1988 Formula 272
 

Bone stock...nice condition.....but I want to "customize" her! How much power can the Cravo Ones handle> Stock 454's now. I want RELIABILITY....but would like to see 75mph anyway?? What do you recommend for After Market Exhaust? Want some "rumble" but bot Open Dry Headers .....any Pics of similar build PLEASE share! I JUST signed up here! Thanks, Tim [email protected]

Nice old school boat. Those 454's were about 330HP that the Bravo can handle no problem I'd just throw some aluminum EMI Thunder manifolds [ the old birds are heavy so lighter exh would help to loose some in the rear ] with the ss risers and use the boat this season before making any decision on power upgrades.You'll be into 2K with the exhaust upgrade to start with.

2 different 454's.....the 330hp versions will never see enough HP to run 75. The Mag (375hp) version can be built up as needed. It will take about 475hp per side to see 75 mph and the Bravos can handle it, just be careful on hole shots and air-time.

Thanks GUYS!!! I was MOST worried about the Bravo 1's Im not "new" to Boating or PERFORMANCE!....I have 4 other Boats ranging from a Boston Whaler to a Big Bay Liner ....We build Funny Cars and Dragsters here.....so "performance" is not an "issue"....just this Type of Boat is NEW to me!!! I plan on running a bit this Summer (just TOO busy) Then make her NICE this Winter!! ANY INPUT....appreciated!! I DO plan staying with Oval Port heads....probably put Edelbrocks on it.....Most likely turn the motors into 496's 550 hp plus/minus....nothing CRAZY!! Or am I ???

I think you should first find our what engines you have(ie 330hp or 365hp mag). This will tell you if you have cast or forged internals, and oval peanut port heads vs the rectangles found on the mag motors. Building off of a mag bottom end is very affordable, especially when you have twins... I am building a 496 w/ dry exhaust, dart pro 1 heads and a Madara cam to mention a few things and hoping for 625hp with holley HP EFI. My first suggestion is put in a call to bob Madara @ marine kinetics (585) 654-8583. Good luck and welcome!

One more thing, consider buying a membership. Let's you do extra things, and also supports this great website!

Torque is more likely to kill bravos than HP but 550hp 496's that peak around 5,500 rpms will be pushing the limit but should be OK. Again, no hole-shots and keep the hull in the water.

Thanks a BUNCH!! Like I said...I can build "whatever"!! Just don't want to get STUPID!! As in Drag Racing...EXPERIENCE is a GREAT Teacher!! My EARS are OPEN!!

Your experience is great, however in the marine world several things don't interchange, and a big one is camshaft selection and valvetrain. You will want a guy who knows his s**t to spec your cam.

As you may know, reversion is an issue when modifying a marine engine with "wet exhaust". This happens at idle, and can be a real kick to the nutz and pocket book if underestimated. Look at what others here have built, and maybe go off of a proven combo. However, regarding cam selection and valvetrain parts that will live, call Madara.

Did you find out of you have the 330hp or 365hp engines yet?

Thanks! Twin 330's here! I KNOW Marine stuff is "different" Is why I ASK on HERE!!!

My previous boat- my experience with a single 242 formula 88 454 was getting a good set of 1971 large oval port heads "292' castings.Roller tip rockers, a high rise and a matched extreme marine cam. make sure you cam has 112 deg lobe separation so you done get reversion. I put on semituned manifold and 4 inch risers. about 420hp.
If you go with a new set of heads aluminum would be way lighter.....