Scarab Engine Question
 

I'm considering purchase of a 1996 22' Scarab. Boat has a 454 and Bravo 1 outdrive. I believe there were a couple different 454 packages offered at that time, but the owner doesn't know which one this is, nor does he know the Hp rating of the engine. My brother is going to take a look at this thing for me this week -- is there a quick and simple way to figure out exactly what Hp rating this engine is by looking at it?
Called Scarab with a VIN #, but they've not been able to give me anything. Suggestions?

Answered my own question -- couples calls to Mercruiser, and they told me everything I need to know. Aparently engine is a 300 hp model. Cast crank, rods,... etc. With that in mind, I'd probably want to swap the big block out for a small block to lose some weight and pick up some Hp. I know they are only spinning a standard Bravo 1 to 5000 rpm with a big block, curious if anyone is bumping that rpm range up when they switch over to a small block? What's it take in terms of hardware to swap from a big block to small block if I've already got a marinized small block in hand?

I had a 96 22. they are fun boats. Where you running?

Bravo drives dont like to much rpm. Swap should be pretty straight forward if you set up your plumbing and wiring harnesses to work. Your exhaust will obviously have to change as well.

Whats the hp and torque on the small block?

We'll use this boat on the big lakes in Northern Idaho (2500' elevation). Priest Lake will be its home, but it will also see Pend Oreille and Coeur D'Alene. As far as the engine, we built up an SBC 400 to go into a jet boat I'm building. Jet boat is on the back burner for another year, so am thinking about dropping this in the Scarab if we buy it. Haven't dynoed the engine, but it should make 500 ft-lbs (peaking at 4200-4300 rpm) and between 480 and 500 Hp (peaking around 5500 rpm). Torque curve should be strong from 2000 rpm on up, and not start to die off until it hits 5500 rpm.

That should wake a 22 up. Hydraulic steering would be a good addition. At the speeds you will be able to run, the boat will be basically on the pad. Hydraulic will help you keep it balanced there a lot better.

What's a reasonable and practical max rpm for a standard Bravo 1 (considering the outdrive only)? This outdrive is set up with a 1.5 gear ratio. Bottom end of my engine should be good to 9000 rpm, but my valve train is probably going to limit me to 6000 rpm. If I'm looking for some long life and durability with this outdrive, what is a good rpm to keep it under?

You should/could ask the drive ? in the tech forum drive section. There are a few guys there, including Mr Gadgets, that are experts.

My personal opinion is sustained use over 5500 rpm will be the death of a Bravo, unless you upgrade the inners. Just my personal experience.