performance engine

[PGRAY552000]

I have an 86 skier with a 351w. Love this boat but have a crack in the block. Basically here are my options, i found a 351w reman longblock for $1450 which sounds great to me. Im also putting a new floor and stringers in this boat so im debating whether to go crazy with power on the engine and have a junkyard 351 stroked since so much time and money is going in the boat now. Anybody done this? Ive had this boat for 5 years and never had it running perfect so i really dont know what the 351w is like powerwise especially if its in new condition. Any suggestions in which way to go? I really want to have enough power to have 6 people in the boat and still launch hard.

[MalibuNation]

Think the tranny will handle the increased power?

[jkendallmsce]

Think the tranny will handle the increased power?

How about the new LSA engine????...supercharged with 550 HP???

[Woodski]

If you look at the power output and performance of these boats over the years, they have gone from around 240 hp in the mid 80's to ball park 400 hp right now. A pretty good happy point was reached at the 310-340 hp level which allowed great pull up power for skiers, footers, boarders and good top end. The boat you have should weigh in around 2500 lb +/- so the low to mid 300 hp level should be excellent. The transmissions can handle that level of power. That target is also very easy to attain with minimal changes and will provide a smooth idle with a good launch and low end punch. For that engine, I think a mild cam with a set of GT40 heads will provide a great unit. Stroking it, a slight overbore if the block needs liners and pistons will only help. You might need to determine what ailments you had so they don't just get transferred to the new package. A bump from 260 > 350 is really a pleasant upgrade and well worth it, particularly if DIY to keep cost down.

[PGRAY552000]

If you look at the power output and performance of these boats over the years, they have gone from around 240 hp in the mid 80's to ball park 400 hp right now. A pretty good happy point was reached at the 310-340 hp level which allowed great pull up power for skiers, footers, boarders and good top end. The boat you have should weigh in around 2500 lb +/- so the low to mid 300 hp level should be excellent. The transmissions can handle that level of power. That target is also very easy to attain with minimal changes and will provide a smooth idle with a good launch and low end punch. For that engine, I think a mild cam with a set of GT40 heads will provide a great unit. Stroking it, a slight overbore if the block needs liners and pistons will only help. You might need to determine what ailments you had so they don't just get transferred to the new package. A bump from 260 > 350 is really a pleasant upgrade and well worth it, particularly if DIY to keep cost down.

What about torque, my understanding with a boat is more torque is the key not horsepower, is that correct? And what kind of cam, torque, midrange?not real familiar with them