I have a 1997 DCB 24 Extreme closed bow double step hull with a 502 mag mpi. I believe this motor was spec'd @430 hp by Mercruiser. The motor runs great, has about 300 hours and pushes the boat to low 70's on regular speedo.
I'd like to get 80-100hp more out of it keeping stock heads, crank, rods and fuel injection. I basically don't want a snowball effect and end up spending a bunch of money and having a motor that will brake the 1997 Bravo 1. The motor has the stock exhaust manifolds now, but I do have access to some GIL manifolds my dad had on his boat. Is it worth using the GIL's or should I budget for Imco manifolds? I don't mind going into the block to install better rod bolts and fresh rings. I can even have the block machined to a 509" for not too much as I've got connections on block machining(by someone that understands marine clearances) and CP Pistons is a good customer of mine, but is that needed for my goals? Can the stock heads make this extra HP with a little bench work? Can the stock MPI/ignition handle this with reprogramming? I'm hoping my goal is attainable without snowballing and spending $$ on aluminum heads, new injection or going to a carb/msd etc. then I have the Bravo in the back of my head all the time, which I already do since my past boats were V-drives.
I know there is local engine builders that have all these answers I can try to catch on the phone, but all they would get out of it is a possible exhaust manifold sale so I don't want to waste their valuable time.
I know there's very knowledgeable guys on here and would like some honest opinions.
Thanks for any insight!
I'd like to get 80-100hp more out of it keeping stock heads, crank, rods and fuel injection. I basically don't want a snowball effect and end up spending a bunch of money and having a motor that will brake the 1997 Bravo 1. The motor has the stock exhaust manifolds now, but I do have access to some GIL manifolds my dad had on his boat. Is it worth using the GIL's or should I budget for Imco manifolds? I don't mind going into the block to install better rod bolts and fresh rings. I can even have the block machined to a 509" for not too much as I've got connections on block machining(by someone that understands marine clearances) and CP Pistons is a good customer of mine, but is that needed for my goals? Can the stock heads make this extra HP with a little bench work? Can the stock MPI/ignition handle this with reprogramming? I'm hoping my goal is attainable without snowballing and spending $$ on aluminum heads, new injection or going to a carb/msd etc. then I have the Bravo in the back of my head all the time, which I already do since my past boats were V-drives.
I know there is local engine builders that have all these answers I can try to catch on the phone, but all they would get out of it is a possible exhaust manifold sale so I don't want to waste their valuable time.
I know there's very knowledgeable guys on here and would like some honest opinions.
Thanks for any insight!
