Ski Boat Forum
Repairs and Maintenance => Engine Repair/Maintenance - All Ski Boats => Topic started by: Mike Harry on July 12, 2014, 02:53:26 PM
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I have an oportunity to pick up a almost new 454 and am thinking about putting it in the Barefoot. Besides the obvious motor mounts and certain adjustments what else would I need to worry about?
Is the velvet drive I have stout enough to handle the extra HP and torque of the 454?
Ron, are the mounts redily avaliable? Do you have or can you get them?
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Oh yeah, also will it fit under my current motor box cover?
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When we installed the big blocks we did have a wider motor box. I don't recall if the mounts were different, I think they were the same. I think we also ran 4" exhaust all the way to the back. Unless you go into the upper 300HP range I think you will be fine with the 71c, the old big blocks were rated at 330HP.
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Just a thought I was having. But for the weight difference I can easily drop a 330 horse small block.
Ill have to do some research and see what the torque numbers are
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Mike,
The BB will definitely not fit under the motor box. I know others that have split it down the middle and made it wider, then reupholstered. They turned out very nice.
IMO the BB is highly overrated. The performance just doesn't justify the extra weight and loss of cabin space. A well tuned stock SB with better flowing heads and aluminum intake will out perform a stock BB. Add a cam to that scenario and it isn't even close. My SB stroker will outperform (in all aspects) any stock BB hands down. I know a lot of other guys that will say the same thing. They'll take a SB any day.
Now, if you have a the HO BB (425 HP) or have a modified BB it's a totally different story. Definitely go for it then.
FYI, You'll spend a lot more money modifying a BB too so you have to keep that in mind.
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I hear you Eddie, this boat has become a project kind and for one reason or another I just love playing with it. The 454 presented itself at a price that I just thought I couldnt pass up, but I think Im about ready to settle in and enjoy this thing instead of project after project (in the same boat) ;)
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I remember building a BB in an Advance for a show club in WI around 1989, extra HD aluminum mount system with super duty pylon base. I think one of my 2001 Lazers with the 325HP SB would keep up with it, save room, and burn less gas.
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I wasnt thinking HP to be honest, I was thinking torque numbers. It would be cool, but not enough cool to go through with it after some comments here, a little actual thought into the work needed, and some research.
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Also, when I went into the 300+hp range I increased the shaft diameter to 1.125" to handle that torque.
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interesting
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FYI: All A/s boats 1996+ use 1.125" shafting