Hi everyone, I've been reading/searching on here for a few weeks now and have learned a lot good information. I bought a 94' 26' Envision with a single 454 mag that needs a lot of TLC. The motor needs some serious attention (no oil pressure & knocking), so I pulled it out and started tearing it down. The heads are rectangle port (appear to be untouched) stock iron GM heads P/N 14096802 / Casting # 14097088. I am weighing my options for a complete build and I am leaning towards a stockish rebuild (need to save some cash for upholstery, gauges, cockpit cover etc). My definite wants are roller cam, intake, and maybe an exhaust upgrade. The first question I have is about the stock heads. Are they worth rebuilding or should I just plan on buying a new set of iron heads ? I'm not trying to make crazy power or win any races. Any suggestions ? Thanks in advance.

the mag is a good starting point, you have many options from calling Bob M. to building a 525sc clone. Your heads are fine for a basic build.

+1

Thanks guys. As much as I would like to have a 525 clone, I'm afraid that is going to be a little out of my price range. I'm just trying to reasonably use what I can and buy what needs to be replaced and/or can be reasonably upgraded. I had originally budgeted on buying heads if I needed them but, if they will work well with just some mild upgrades, i'll have them worked and reuse them. Theres plenty of other areas that I can spend the $$$ on. I'm trying to mantain a balance between engine build cost and cost to get the rest of the boat in order.

Call rm builder (Bob) Im sure he has a recipie for you in the cook book. I have heard nothing but great things about him mor times than I can count (even if I take my socks off and use my toes) Tell himn what you got, what you want and he will probably even save you money with the right stuff the first time.

http://www.marinekineticsonline.com/contact.html

My 509 makes just over 500hp & over 500lbft of torque with nothing but a marine kinetics cam & valvetrain, edelbrock air gap manifold & a 850 quickfuel carb. Everything else is stock gm. All parts were less than $2000.00. Very reliable build. Randy

lousiana. salt or fresh water use. if salt, punch out the guides and check head where they go in. i still don't get why people run raw water cooling in these motors.

What part of La. are you in?
I might be able to recommend a machine shop.

I have read a lot of good things on here about him and zero negative. Thats a great reputation to have !

Thats impressive with just a few top end parts.