Hey guys hope all is well.
My season ended with my 496 cracking, so I'm looking at repowering over the winter.
I forgot who but a couple guys mentioned a small block in these boats, how would it perform with say a 405 hp/ 450 lb. ft. torque small block, would i be able to use the bravo that's on the boat now?
also would it be faster, slower or the same?
My thought with this is the lighter engine/ more horsepower would equal, faster boat.
its got the 375 horse version now
Any input is greatly appreciated.

keep a look out for 500efi or 525 and let the good times roll

Torque and Horsepower are what they are. The more you have the faster the boat will go.
The advantage the big block has over the small block is that it will make its peek torque at a lower rpm so the boat may come out of the hole easier when you have a heavy load.
A small bock weighs 150-200lbs less if you are comparing cast iron to cast iron. Small blocks are also a lot less costly to buy/build.
I doubt you would a large performance difference between a 375HP 450# bbc vs a 405HP 450# sbc.

I like your thinking ray!
just gotta see what the budget allows in a couple months.
Any luck on yours?


That was my thinking with the small block pat, $$$$
but we'll see what I come up with

The blue motors hold up pretty good from what I have seen , there are always a few floating around . As far as mine goes I am open to offers and ready to let it go $$$$$$$$$$

Joe what happened to make it crack?

Joe.......... depending on wich way I go, I may end up with my SB in a 260....... Then we will know how well they do.

I know they claim low 60's with a 320hp 6.2!! Don't know that I would rerig a BB boat to a SB boat with out having all of the parts to do it!!

I think I am going to look for a 500 or 525....
Dkerns keep us posted on what you do and I think your right just gonna go Big Block

VV, I came out of a cruiser wake and lost all the antifreeze, but it was by far not the biggest water the boat has seen, so I'm assuming just gradually weakened and finally let go

You can likely buy a reman or new base 8.1L 496 with a warrenty for less than a complete SB package.

The 350HP/383 Merc goes for 7-8K complete / drop in and the 400HP/383 goes for 12-13K complete. A custom built 400HP small block complete with exhaust is going to be all of 8K.

A 500EFI or 525EFI take out with exhaust is going to cost 10-25K depending on the hours and if there is a warrenty.

I think, in your shoes, I'd buy a new or reman 425HP/496 base engine, bolt on the stuff from your blown engine, and have your ECU remap'd. Of corse you need to evaluate all the goodies from your old engine.

Hey DK,
How about you tell us how your small block does in a 280...