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New Opinions on Motors

1.9K views 32 replies 14 participants last post by  Aggressor Tom  
#1 ·
Well the motors are out of the boat, a 1996 32 Sunsation Dominator, as of today. I have 502 blocks with 454 330 parts on them. This is what my engine builder wants to do;

New Crank, heads, pistons, rods, rings, bearings, intake manifolds, lifters, cam, .030 over, balance new assembly. Plus some other misc parts. Total cost 7800 per motor. Basically make these stock 502 motors.

I have a possible pair of 496 ho motors lined up for $17000, 30 hours out of 2001 demo boat. Add cost of removing and replacing motors.

Thought of getting a set up 454 330's and dropping those in. Cheap ones.

What's the opinions out there? Decisions, decisions...
 
#2 · (Edited)
Depends on what you want to do and how fast you want to go!!

Plus the builder in my opinion is out of line to do nothing more than make it a stock 502.

Which,bye the way,,,. a bore of.30 over now makes it a 509CI. I am in the process of doing almost the exact same ,minus the crank,and spending alot less,,,Want some tips and part numbers on those 509's let me know.

Again,the answer depends on what you want to do,how you want to do it,and how much do you want to spend to do it....
 
#3 ·
similar to boatnuts observation.

1. what do you want to do this this boat...is it a keeper or do you just want to fix it up and sell it. If sell is the word, don't invest a penny more than you have to.
2. If you're only going to keep it for a season or two: don't invest a penny more than you have to.
3. If you're going to keep it for 5 years...spend the money and get nice engines.

In my pragmatic way of looking at boating I see a boat as a hole in the water that you pour money into. The less you pour into it, the better. Wax and elbow grease are cheap, maintenance is cheap, engines are not cheap, abuse is not cheap. That's just my way of looking at it. Sure, I may not have as much fun as the guys who beats the crap out of his boat week-in and week-out, but I crank'er up once in a while for 5 or 10 minute stretches and I enjoy crusing along at 45 to 50 mph.

It makes me happy...

so I guess the question is: what makes you happy?

- jeff
 
#4 ·
Aggressor Tom,
If you want a reliable 502 I would buy a new Chevrolet crate motors. The 425 hp not the 500 hp. Transfer your accessories and your ready to go. Try to find a mechanic at a dealership to make the purchase for you. You can save a lot of money that way. I believe those engines were going for around $4,000.00 dealer cost. They come with brass freeze plugs. There is no where to mount a fuel pump so you will need to have the seawater pump with the fuel pump option.

Dan

BTW, The 496's come with cast cranks. They are fine as long as you don't modify them.
 
#5 ·
Well, I'm no expert here, but it seems high to me. What kind of parts are they using? Must be pretty pricey components. I'd think for $7800 per motor and you have the basics to work with, you could work a little more than stock HP out of that 502/9. Are they talking aluminum dart heads and other pricey items? Maybe then it's not too bad, but you should be putting out a lot of HP then. more than the 425HO's will put out, and like candyman said, you don't want to waste the money trying to squeeze more out of those.

Like they said, all what you want to do and how you boat and what you are after.

How many different engine shops did you speak to? Some are pricier depending upon reputation.

Again, I don't know much about this, but wow. $16k going into engines is a lot of money, and you better make sure you get out of it what you really want or expect. Good luck, and have fun doing it!

Mark
 
#6 ·
Aggressor Tom,
You have a lot of options at your disposal. I have several sets of motors for sale if your interested. I have a fresh pair of 502 mpi for sale complete with exhaust 0 hrs. $12,000. I also have 2 sets of 420hp 454 350hrs on both sets. E-mail me if I can help. I also have a selection of parts.

Jim
 
#7 ·
Wow!!

Almost 16k in engines?:eek: :eek:

Man, and I can't get a measly 9k for my whole boat:( :confused:

I really have no advise for you other than stock reliability has its advantages:D

Good luck!!
 
#9 ·
AT just convert to outboards!!!!
Triple 300hp Merc's would be sweet!

Well maybe not.
Sounds like you are getting some good advice and stock power sounds the best way to go, good luck. :D
 
#11 ·
MAXPERF has a great deal on those motors,That's with exhaust?? What kind?
Tom,you have alot of decisions to make...I was going to take most of the winter to re-build my motor.I brought it to the machine shop last week,got the pistons on Tuesdayand it's almost done....Now what the hell am I going to do over the hibernation period?:confused:
 
#17 · (Edited)
enigma said:


Clean my garage floor AGAIN??:laugher: :laugher:
Why,I'm just going to get it dirty again.:laugher:


And Jeff,in answer to your question,look at the pic's...Pretty dirty.After I was done,I looked around,and said there is NO WAY one man could have caused this much damage.Thats why I tore it down while he was out of town:)If I would have done it while he was here,his 50 year old heart would have gave out!!!!!!:laugher:
 
#19 ·
Any who, let's stay focused on Agressor Tom's needs.My list would make most have to see a shrink.


Agressor Tom,you already have the beginning (your motors) to build whatever you want..Now the question is WHAT DO YOU WANT.I don't want to speak ill of your engine builder,but that just seems rather high.Your not getting much for 8 grand....Tell us your wants and needs,and let your Fastboat brethren help you along
 
#23 ·
you can do better than 16 k I gotta believe. I have been able thats for sure. Also still want to make sure the person doing it is reliable. That is most important. May be worth a little extra $$
 
#24 ·
Thanks, guys for all the info. I felt it was getting awfully expensive for what I need done. They are looking at all top notch parts, but like Jeff said about the hole in the water dumping money into. Gotta keep it low because I don't have the money to burn. There is still a possibility the banks insurance pays for this and if they don't the bank will be reimbursing me some money. If that's the case, then I will let them spend the bucks.

I am sticking to stock power because if I don't run a 100 hours next year, then I consider it a bad summer. Ran 105 hours on the Aggressor this year.