So I have been doing a lot of reading on exhaust systems as I'm always looking for upgrades on things...I have a 540 with a 14-71 blower fuel injected and I got to thinking about exhausts. I currently run CMI E-tops and they work perfectly fine no leaks or anything but I got to wondering if swapping to stainless marine gen 3's would be worth the upgrade? I have read that they are good for a power bump on engines but couldn't really find anything on if they would be a worthwhile upgrade for me or not? Looks like the kit is around 7500 bucks plus transom mods as I run 4" tips now that are dry to the tip and I would opt for either 4 1/2 or 5" tails with the new ones and would convert to the dry tip style beauty rings and gaskets on the transom vs the rubber bellow connection like I have now as I've had them fail in the past.

Could probably sell my e-tops/tails for 2kish maybe...they are powdercoated black and the tails are wrapped with exhaust wrap as I didn't want the shiny stuff on my engine...just personal preference.

So basically if they sell...would be a roughly 5-6k upgrade plus all my time modding my transom which is whatever...not a big deal.

What's everyone's thoughts? Worth the upgrade?

I am not the smartest guy on here, but I would not spend the time and money to change out your CMI's. At the same time, I would probably never pay 2k for anything used CMI. The elbow tops are probably the most reliable thing CMI makes, so that's a big plus. You know more than I do about blower motors, but I do know that blower motors handle less than optimal exhaust better than HP NA motors do. AND just say you get into your 40's and say to yourself I don't like crawling in bilges anymore and I just want some nice low maintenance big blocks. Now, the 5" system is less than ideal. My vote is keep it as is.

Stainless Marine Gen 3 is where it's at!!

What is the ID of your current runners ? what HP ?

E-Tops rarely fail. I know of two sets that are 20 and 17 years old and still no leaks. If it ain't broke...

I doubt you’d even see a speed increase. 2k plus all the other screwing around worth it for zero speed increase?

According to CMI's website....1 7/8" primaries....estimated around 950-1000 hp. It dynoed 993 previously but have changed tunes, currently changing EFI setup, and upping boost 2 lbs.

Like I said I have no issues with the current headers at all just was seeing if I could expect a difference by switching? Seems like so far from the posts they won't make much of a difference if any?

Always looking for any kind of upgrade and read reports of HP gains on NA builds by switching but wasn't sure on a SC application?

Thanks for all the replies so far!!

Also that OL is ridiculously bada$$ by the way!! hahaha

OK Steward settle down.
The only advantage I see is easier to install .
you ROI in terms of HP is extremely low here .

LOL thanks for the insight Dan