Hey Pat,

I have to swing by the shop on Monday and see exactly what is going on. I am just going by what the mech. was telling me on the phone. Also, with my old motor the motor mounts were all the way up to the top. They say that the 454 and 496 have the same crank centerline but the mech was also saying something about getting the alignment right. I'll find out more Monday.

ANY time somebody tell you that it is a direct bolt in, don't believe it!

Dave

I'm thinking more like four weeks. I want to be completely dialed-in by Apr. 1st.

I forgot its Feb. all ready. 8 WEEKS 'TILL SB'ing SEASON!!!
- I'd be dialing in right now...except its the ice age. I think I can bring a 77-78 to the games too men.

I would guess Dave is shooting for March 1st.
Superbash for April 1st.
Personally I'm thinking 12-13 weeks until May 1st.
We have about 15" of snow in the back yard...
I did a drive by on the CT River yesterday; she is locked up solid with ice and only a small slot where an ice breaker must have gone through...

As far as how fast I think my boat will top out at this year:
75-76mph at 4800-4900rpm spinning a 28p Bravo 1...

Pat,

I'm definately going to have some hatch clearance issues. I'm hoping it is just a height issue and not length. The risers are MUCH higher on the 496. The pulleys JUST clear the back of the gas tank. I thought that the 496 and 454 have the same crank centerline dimensions? With my old motor the mounts were adjusted all the way up. With the 496 they are all the way up with a piece of 1/4" aluminum plate underneath. It still did not look high enough to get the alignment right. They are looking into the issue that Dave N. mentioned about the washers on the transom assembly.

Nothings ever easy!

Dave M.

Hey Dave,
May I suggest that you use the bell housing from your old engine. Then you have the same vintage as the transom assembly.
The other suggestion I have for you is to buy lower risers from Imco. I have used their Stainless risers before. They make a version that bolts to the Merc. Pattern. They are like $600, but it might be easier than raising your hatch.
Good Luck Dave!

Hey Patrick,

I checked the bellhousing part #'s and they are the same old and new, the mounts are the same too.

Dave

Dave,
The bell housing may have the same part number, but the bushings/spacers that the 2 rear bolts go through may be different. I believe this is what the other Dave was talking about...

Hey Patrick,

I talked to the mech. today and he follwed a Merc. bullitain and took out some springs on the back mounts and the motor dropped down a bit (probably what Dave N mentioned). He took the plates out below the front mounts (I wasn't crazy about that in the first place). Hopefully will be firing her up later this week! Stay tuned for more info and photos.

Dave

Good News Dave!
Now for the hatch...