Engine build opinions please
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
Engine build opinions please
O.k, heres the deal, I have a line on a 27' Warlock speed boat. It's a theft recovery and the motor and outdrive are missing. Of course the first thought was to build a roots supercharged big block, probably a 540. However I have quite a few small block parts laying around. What are your opinions on a 8.5:1 comp. 421 with Dart 220 heads, a mild roller, a centrifugal supercharger and EFI. All forged rotating assembly of course. I have a couple of 400 blocks and the Dart heads just sitting around. I figure I'll need 800 hp minimum on pump gas. Think it's possible?? Anyone with I/O boat experience would be appreciated, so I know what I may be getting myself into. :chevy
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
Re: Engine build opinions please (belair55)
You will be sorely dissapointed if you put a small block in that 27ft boat 421 ci or not with a Centrifugel Blower.You needs gobs of torque and a bottom end that will take the abuse.
You might do well with a 671 Roots type blower as long as your not expecting to break the sound barrier.Just kidding on that one but mph will not be too good still.
Twin blown small blocks would get the boat moving kinda ok but is not cost effective.
Those Marine parts are outa site in pricing. The outdrives are ultra expensive as is a good exhaust system. It might be best to let this one pass and buy a boat that is running.I could see the expenses easily surpassing the 10k mark in all probablity .
[Modified by mountainmotor, 8:04 AM 6/26/2003]
You might do well with a 671 Roots type blower as long as your not expecting to break the sound barrier.Just kidding on that one but mph will not be too good still.
Twin blown small blocks would get the boat moving kinda ok but is not cost effective.
Those Marine parts are outa site in pricing. The outdrives are ultra expensive as is a good exhaust system. It might be best to let this one pass and buy a boat that is running.I could see the expenses easily surpassing the 10k mark in all probablity .
[Modified by mountainmotor, 8:04 AM 6/26/2003]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
Re: Engine build opinions please (mountainmotor)
You will be sorely dissapointed if you put a small block in that 27ft boat 421 ci or not with a Centrifugel Blower.You needs gobs of torque and a bottom end that will take the abuse.
You might do well with a 671 Roots type blower as long as your not expecting to break the sound barrier.Just kidding on that one but mph will not be too good still.
Twin blown small blocks would get the boat moving kinda ok but is not cost effective.
Those Marine parts are outa site in pricing. The outdrives are ultra expensive as is a good exhaust system. It might be best to let this one pass and buy a boat that is running.I could see the expenses easily surpassing the 10k mark in all probablity .
[Modified by mountainmotor, 8:04 AM 6/26/2003]
You might do well with a 671 Roots type blower as long as your not expecting to break the sound barrier.Just kidding on that one but mph will not be too good still.
Twin blown small blocks would get the boat moving kinda ok but is not cost effective.
Those Marine parts are outa site in pricing. The outdrives are ultra expensive as is a good exhaust system. It might be best to let this one pass and buy a boat that is running.I could see the expenses easily surpassing the 10k mark in all probablity .
[Modified by mountainmotor, 8:04 AM 6/26/2003]
I think I'm going to keep looking for one thats ready to run. I really wanted an Eliminator Daytona anyway, but this Warlock is dirt cheap, so I was giving it some thought. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,349
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Re: Engine build opinions please (belair55)
A big block would be nice, but a 400 small block would be fine too. Step up to a big 8-71 roots supercharger and you'll have plenty of torque.
Another really good boat engine, because of the need for massive torque, is the Buick, Olds, or Pontiac 455. These engines are capable of 600 lb-ft naturally aspirated with 10:1 compression. Then a supercharger just adds to that. If you're running race gas, keep it 10:1 compression.
Another really good boat engine, because of the need for massive torque, is the Buick, Olds, or Pontiac 455. These engines are capable of 600 lb-ft naturally aspirated with 10:1 compression. Then a supercharger just adds to that. If you're running race gas, keep it 10:1 compression.
