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383 to 454

KBA

Active member
My 383 w aluminum heads threw a rod thru oil pan not sure of cause yet it was on a heavy boat 16 ft panther with walkboards double upper seats triple bottom seat switching over to bbc . It never really rode free before it would run dry very good. Should i move stand back more to compensate for the heavier engine?
 
Pretty sure 454 is ext balance and 383 is internal. That would change the flexplate. Unless your 454 is going to be an internally balanced engine. A 454 gm crate would be external.
 
Thanks for the reply i will check into it further . I really was impressed with my 383 i had over 3 years with it and if i had to guess maybe 300 plus hrs 2.38 stinger 3 blade r on a heavy boat .
 
Couple factors involved to the motor and maybe more to the hull?

A built proper 383 should resemble a 454 of similar cost per cube but maybe not on a 16 footer. Minus longevity that pretty much no one guarantees.
Built Big block should push 16 foot with ease proper built where a 383 might struggle? If the hull is proper also?
A great design is less power to do the same as more power on a junk hull. Maybe not junk hull, but agreed as costly hull to push it.
Panthers normally slide like greased lightening in every direction?
 
Your also asking a question to move a big block back vs a 383 that no one can answer unless they have the identical situation on your exact hull?
 
KBA said:
Thanks for the reply i will check into it further . I really was impressed with my 383 i had over 3 years with it and if i had to guess maybe 300 plus hrs 2.38 stinger 3 blade r on a heavy boat .


Where are you planning on getting the 454? I am planning a repower for more hp this winter for my 18’ that has a 454 in it.
 
Im in texas and proto you are right my hull is an old army corp of engineers boat from florida it is not perfect and has old poly my old motor was strong and the hull may have sucked the life out of it
 
I would expect a performance decrease from a crate 454. Hp should be similar (430) with some added low end torque. But You will be adding close to 100 lbs (maybe less, alum vs. alum heads).

Consider, if the same gear and prop will work, you are not gaining power, just weight.

454 - all the weight of a big block, most of the power of a small block. If going big block, then go real BIG. Otherwise rebuild what you have and consider prop/gear changes and put the boat on a diet.
 
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