Sourcing a 454

Where might I find a used inboard 454? Besides the obvious places like ebay and craigslist. Looking to upgrade the power plant.

Ohh I need a 454 engine with tranny. Not just a tranny

WhiteLakeSkier wrote: Ohh I need a 454 engine with tranny. Not just a tranny

Transmissions are just a small part of Eric's business. You must not be reading!!!

Also go to the classified section of marineengine.com

So, you want to put a big block in your boat! Have you given any thought to propping it? This is for the AS? You had better plan on a new strut and log to swing a larger prop. I seem to remember it had a 11" on it originally but then got a larger dia. However, I don't recall you saying how much prop to hull clearance you ended up with.

If youre considering putting the 454 into that American Skier of yours, I think its a terrible idea. It would be far cheaper and easier to build a small block up to big block power levels if youve already got one. The big block comes with a pretty significant weight and size penalty, which will really dwarf a 16' boat.

I think even a stroked 351w would be too wild for this hull. There are a handful of 302-347ci powered Mustangs and American Skiers that have more power than most would know what to do with, running in the 55-60mph range. I wouldnt encourage anyone to go any bigger than that unless they really knew what they were doing, as it could get dangerous fast.

With the 302 in the as, I'm able to get 47 gps at wot(4500) with an acme 12.5x12 or 13.

Some people have 350s in there mustang/skier already. I'd like to do a 454 or something bigger than a 350 in it. What exactly are we talki for engine weight of a 302, 350, and 454? I never have more than 1 passenger in the boat as it is.

Does that 427 have a tranny attached Eric?

There is one 350 in that hull that I know of, a 331 (stroker 302), and a 340 Chrysler. 2 of them are scary fast, one is just scary. There are a handful of hot 302's as well. Any of the above will get you well into the 50's. I suggest you go for a ride in one of those boats before you decide that you need more cubes.

Besides, unless you have deep pockets, a 454 is much more expensive to build. If you planned to keep it stock, then your performance wouldnt be very good (280-290 hp) considering you would be carrying about 300 extra lbs (the 454 weighs in at 1095 lbs vs. 780 for the 302). It wouldnt be easy to prop it to run at 4400 RPM either.

TRBenj wrote: It would be far cheaper and easier to build a small block up to big block power levels if youve already got one.

+7 Bad Idea. You've been misinformed before, who told you it's cheaper? The -100 F salesman?

I Said it would be cheaper to go bigger than mod my current motor

And Im telling you that is probably not the case. Big blocks command big bucks, even stock ones. You could get the same power levels (280-290hp) out of a 302 for less than $1500. Going to a 454 may or may not require a transmission change, btw- all 454's Ive seen came from the factory paired to a 72C instead of a 71c.

WhiteLakeSkier wrote: So what about upgrading to a 350 and modding that? Same weight as a 302 but it will have the larger tranny and a few more horseys to start with

Not sure what you mean by the larger tranny... only the big blocks got the 72c, at least from PCM. Of course, you could mate one up to a small block if you want- its only money, right?

It would be relatively cheap to build a 350 to big power levels- lots of parts available. Easier or cheaper than a 302? Maybe... but since youre starting with a 302, it would be easiest and cheapest to start with that, rather than finding another powertrain. Of course, if you know of a RH 350 for cheap, then go for it. There would be value in your RH 302 if you wanted to sell it.

WhiteLakeSkier wrote: What can the 71 handle?

I recall Eric stating that it would handle anything a highly mod'd small block could throw at it.

TRBenj wrote: There is one 350 in that hull that I know of, a 331 (stroker 302), and a 340 Chrysler. 2 of them are scary fast, one is just scary. There are a handful of hot 302's as well. Any of the above will get you well into the 50's. I suggest you go for a ride in one of those boats before you decide that you need more cubes. Besides, unless you have deep pockets, a 454 is much more expensive to build. If you planned to keep it stock, then your performance wouldnt be very good (280-290 hp) considering you would be carrying about 300 extra lbs (the 454 weighs in at 1095 lbs vs. 780 for the 302). It wouldnt be easy to prop it to run at 4400 RPM either.

Tim, shock and dismay.......We agree ........
Weight is the biggest enemy I fought with Karens American Skier. Her boat was powered by a HM 260 ci.After the 302 was added the water line was considerably higher. That was when "she" got put on a diet, that lowered the total by about 150 lbs.
The HiTeks were good for 50 or so pounds, but removal of the circ pump and cast iron timing cover /belt driven raw water pump = the same weight loss .
Scary fast describes the ride to a TEE!!!!!A big block chevy would do the same , but destroy the handling. If not dangerous

That's what she said.

2 inch Peter?