This boat currently has a Mercruiser 7.4L engine with an alpha drive (not a typo). I have a two-stage repower plan and am interested in thoughts as well as improving the boat structure, larger fuel tank and more "car-like" interior. New gel and paint including a carbon-fiber hood.

Stage 1 - current - I'll pull the engine, complete stock rebuild minus a non-prod cam & intake. Update the Alpha to Bravo. Run that while I build the Real Deal...

Stage 2 - Real Deal - thinking I should go with an GM 8.1 truck engine. Is this smart, or should I stay with the 7.4 Merc? Either way, I'd like to line bore, cylinder bore, splay the mains, add lightweight pistons, high vol pan and pump and forged lower rotating components with a pair of aluminum dart heads, carb (dual quads?), cam, closed cooling. I think I can get to 600ish... and possibly a supercharger......I know I will need at least a Bravo XR, maybe more....

My goal is high-speed reliability. I like to run hard (4000-6000 erpm) more often that not and am thinking a blower might sub optimize the engines durability. Any tribal knowledge anyone can share?

Why not fuel injection?

HI Gweedo - its simple, robustness & reliability. I know automotive systems are reliable, but they have tons of calibrators and controls engineers working and testing them daily.....I don't see marine FI as being there. I know many have done it...and I have a ton of respect for them, but I am one guy and my son.....I just see it as an expensive nice to have!

I dont think there is a carbed manifold available for the vortec 8.1.....have to go cu$tom.

Great point! That alone might exclude me from using an 8.1! I suppose I can get close with a 7.4L - 0.060"....

Dart has made one for a long time now. But,I have to ask why a Vortec 8,1L if modding anyway ?

Its no problem to do a full hyd. valve train in the 7.4 just have to use tie bar lifters. there are a lot more performance parts for your 7.4 than the 8.1 by far. Regards Dan

502 based engine, XR upper, Imco -2" shorty.

See you on Maceday Lake.