20X8 motor suggestions

[henryd2]

Hello All,

I just bought a used 20X8 classic airboat hull with stainless cage. It has a bone stock 454 on it. I know that the boat will be severely underpowered. Any suggestions on what motor or power I need to turn 5 76" whirlwind 13" wide blades with a 2.68 belt box?

Thanks,

Henry

[scottyroll]

Big block for sure. That 454 could be a great starting platform if you stuff some goodies in it to make 550+ pony's. Its all about the $$$. I think a lot of people are happy with the 502's as well.

[Deano]

Yup, a big block. The bigger the big block the better.

You're talking a lot of boat, and a lot of blade area.
The good thing is that ya got a lot of gear to go with it.

The bigger it is, the lower the RPMs to do what you need.
The lower the RPMs . . . the longer it will live grief free.

[Whitebear]

Lots of folks love their Water Thunder and/or Felber big motors. If you can afford a custom motor they shouldn't be overlooked.

[Airboatcapt2]

Buyer beware I would not recommend Felber! Pretty sure he is not building engines anymore anyway.

[Airboatcapt2]

You want big power check out Mast Motorsports. We have them in boats from 14ft to 30Ft and have been super Happy!
Not to mention they are right here in Texas!

[Whitebear]

Too many people have had better than just good experiences with both those guys for them to be overlooked. AND there ain't a thing wrong with Mast Motorsports engines. Just two different catagories of engines. Oops and yes Location to you is part of the equation as well.

[hammertime]

PM Norris with Marshall Engines I have a 632 from Norris on a 8x16 gto. I am running a 4 blade superwide with a 2.68 belt drive. This has plenty of torque and hp. I had them install a fast fuel on it last summer and the fuel mileage is pretty good. Great people to deal with and the warranty is great also.

[OLD MAN JONES]

X's 2 on the Blue Print ,
I have one of theirs on a 16x8 and would highly recommend it, if you have the budget for it. The engines are "Purpose Built" to rigorous specs and run super smooth/reliable. The truth is, you cannot build one for what they sell theirs for and with a great warranty!
PM NORRIS for sure

[andyp]

I think a o290 would get the job done quite well lol

[Bruce]

pcm 550 horse sc ls motor or the version panther sells hard to go wrong with a NEW motor not a bunch of slapped together parts

[captain chad]

We run those super charged lsa engines from PCM at Midway Airboat Rides and so far the only problems that I see are in the super charger cooling pump. I think they are using a baitwell pump and they just wont hold up. 550 hp out of a small block is awesome. If you are thinking Felber I would do some research.

[DAISYCUTTER85]

I just ordered a efi 540 MAS from GTO, I here that the blueprint engines are good as well.

[air-roberts]

if you go big block @ min go with a 572 ci or 632 ci prefb, but someone does offer a s/b that puts out tons of h.p. and is a lot lighter
if you want any recommendations i'll be glad to help you just pm me. I don't like to get into the builder wars

[:)]

As much motor as u can get in the lightest package u can find it in.. that 632 sounds about right! Lol good luck and keep us informed that's gonna be interesting. .

[:)]

P

[warrior-p]

contact fannman on the motor

[Airboatcapt2]

X's 2 on the Blue Print ,
I have one of theirs on a 16x8 and would highly recommend it, if you have the budget for it. The engines are "Purpose Built" to rigorous specs and run super smooth/reliable. The truth is, you cannot build one for what they sell theirs for and with a great warranty!
PM NORRIS for sure

What engine did you get and what warranty? I called Blue Print a couple weeks ago and was told they do not have any engine for the airboat line available yet. I was told they are only doing R&D at this point?