I have a 1988 corsair with the original 454 330hp motor connected too a bravo one outdrive. Motor has low compression in some cylinders and now I want too upgrade. I don't want too go crazy but should I rebuild mine maybe go .30 over add a set of old school heads and a new cam and intake and carb? I got offered a 496 big block chevy from a 2003 pickup but will that work? Will everything hook up and I will stay carb. Looking at doing the emi thunder exhaust since I'm salt water cooled. Don't think they actually make headers for what I need and don't want too spend a lot on exhaust. Any info would be great!

You will go slower sticking the motor out of the truck Bubba got drunk and wrecked. its along winter, start searching and reading and you will learn more than you ever wanted on 454's....

Oh really I thought the 496 cause it had more cubes and with a cam change and intake and carb and some head work it would be a better motor?

The 496 is the bastard step child of the big block family. way more stuff for the 454.....

Well thank you! I've tried searching for other 454 related threads but can't find what I'm looking for. Will any 454 bolt into my boat?

Yes any chevy based big block will bolt in.

Or exchange your tired engine for another 454 or a 502, from one of the many marine engine builders out there. Simple swap and saves you the headache of getting everything right.

3 of my good friends work at machine shops and I build my own motors on the side I just always did ford stuff never any chevy stuff so I'm new too these big blocks. Building it etc I'm good with just want too know what will work with my boat. And my dads good friend does marine power or engines for the poker run and stuff Joe coretti racing engines which his work is too notch! I just want a mild 454 just something that has a little more power, better sound and a hell of a idle.

Use what you have now. Do it over. Go .030 over, get a good steel crank, H beam rods, forged 9 to 1 pistons, rect. port heads and intake w/ 850 Holley carb and a decent cam. Maybe end up with 450HP. If done right it will be bullet proof and reliable. Drive will take the extra HP but a bigger prop will be needed.

I do have a set of rect port heads. But did other 454s come with steel cranks I could get? I'm not looking for big power. Just want a stage up from what I have or little more. Basically I'm building a car motor with different freeze out plugs and pan and putting all my marine **** back on it?