mikey

iTrader: (6)

I have a 1994 Stingray 23' power boat with a 454 Mag engine that's due for a re-build.

I was considering building an LSx based plant for it. The 454 is rated at 350 prop HP and I know I can do better than that in my sleep.

So I was thinking maybe a Warhawk based 422CI engine with their 6 bolt heads and a custom Eaton supercharger.

The boat used to pull 72mph on the GPS with a full tank of gas. Would be nice to add 15mph to that

Think I should give it a go? Might make a nice winter time project.

JL ws-6

iTrader: (50)

you're a big CI guy.. why stop at 422? 454 at a min... can't put a "smaller" engine in the boat, that would be a downgrade

I say go for it!

badpewter-z

iTrader: (4)

i dont think youll do it aslong as you can get it to work in the marine enviroment it needs to be done also itll sip less gas than the 454 so faster, less fill ups , nope no down sides

mikey

iTrader: (6)

Trying to keep the stroke at 4.00". Long stroke = more side loading and more wear. I want to run this thing in poker runs so that means 6000 rpm for hours on end. I'm really leaning in this direction. pewterz is right, alot more efficient than the big chev and more power too. But I gotta tell you, I will miss that big chev sound...

STRIPSTAR

iTrader: (4)

Wouldnt a larger cube(bore) iron block LSX be better for that? Its definately a good idea but reliablity of a marine 454 is tough to beat.

LT1MCSS

Just curious what kinda outdrive does it have? I'm guessing a Merc Cruiser Bravo or Bravo 3? Do some checking on what they are able to handle. If its a Bravo 3 you should be good to go Just keep in mind those things are just like trannies and rear end lol they arent bullet proof.

mikey

iTrader: (6)

It's a Bravo 1. These things are pretty bullet proof. The alpha's are crap. Bravo 3 is used on big cruisers.

LT1MCSS

You should be alright with the bravo but i still dont think they can take much over 500 hp.

Also keep in mind that whatever you build needs to be built to marine specs. I've been told the bearings and clearences are different because they have to rev so high for so long. A car motor won't hold up to long against the constant high RPM's. Figure you'll be running constant 3000+ rpms. Since we're all gear heads and like to go fast i'm assumign you'll be hammering on it a better part of the time so figure 4000 RPM on average and 5000 or so at WOT.


Other than that try it out and have a blast!!!!!!!!!! Go fast boats are awesome. ONe thing i always loved about boats and the water in general. In most spots there is no speed limit so you can go as fast as you want just as long as your crazy enough to do it and nobody cares The gas hurts the wallet after a while.

DocEwww

iTrader: (1)

If you have the spare cash, do it. Gas prices and maintenance costs are what scare me from getting a boat anytime soon.

My old man had a 35' Scarab with dual 502 BBCs. He sold it when I was 11 and I still remember it like it was yesterday .