Hey everyone. You have been helpful in directing me toward te right repower decision. I'm leaning toward a 502 MAG as it's a proven heavy duty workhorse and I know these engines much better than the 496. I have two questions.

1. Does anyone have experience with Derby Marine out of TX? They have a great selection, decent pricing and seem to be a reputable dealer. Any feedback will be appreicated!


2. What's the deal with this new 383 stroker? If I repowered from a 310 HP 454 to this 383 SB with 350HP with higher RPM range & equal tourque, the argument is better performance, economy and lighter weight equals higher speeds too. What's everyone's take on this new 383?

I really appreicate the help as I don't want to make a $6,000 - $12,000 bad decision. That would suck!

The 383's torque never equals a big block. Forget the 383 and look at the 502.

I agree, go for the big block. It would take alot more to get a small block to perform like a mild big block. The cost would be greater as well.

502 Mag.

This would work real well for you and your budget.

http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.com/page-14433.html


Cougarman

The bore and stroke of the 496 and 509s seem to be the best base recipe going. You still cant go wrong with the 502. I currently run 622 Talldecks that I built and when I repower, It will be the 509s.

Tyler Crockett has been making 600+ hp out of stock 500 efi's. I'd find me some 500's!

I just built a pair of 383's, (actually CHS racing here in Austin) that took me from 61 MPH in my 302 to 74. I have the pics to prove it too. I have about 12K in the 2 but I started out with MX 6.2's and reused one of the blocks, and the crank, rods and efi fuel system out of both. You could get one for 6-9K, and I am outrunning my friends with 496 mags right now, with less fuel and weight. The 383 makes awesome torque, right off the bat, and the power up high is great. I'm a believer. Used to run WOT at 61, now I can run 4500 at 65.

Our replacement HO600 version 496 uses all forged internals and it consistently makes 625-630 HP on 89 pump gas. They run away from HP525's and are a heck of a lot cheaper. There torque is the reason, they make about 70 ft/lbs more torque than 502's with their short stroke. Don't discount the 496's , one may be passing you on your local water soon!

Regards,
Ray @ Raylar

I would like to see a small block with 400 hours hard time and only lifters and valve springs replased. Dont think so. Everything about the BBC is better with the possable execption of the rod ratio but the big port heads make up for that. Put some 6.385 rods and a 230@50, 580 lift cam with some nice valves and a bowl and port blend and CMI etops or similar in a 502 and hang on. You will be runing 550 hp all day year after year after year.
Jas