CHAOS REIGNS

Hi -- I am a new owner 1979 pantera with a stock 454 330hp motor.

I am wondering what my course of action should be to get more hp out of this motor. I'd like to get to the 450hp mark.

This motor is pretty much completely stock right now. Even down to the cast exhaust.

the hour meter says 165 on it -- but I can hardly believe that is all there is.

I am not opposed to pulling it out and having it rebuilt -- should that be my first step? Or should I look at bolting on some items?


any suggestions appreciated!


thanks
Mark

H2Xmark

unless you go the whipple or procharger route, you will need to pull the engine to change the camshaft and heads{some boats you don't have to, call joe at pantera} if you pull the engine install some ARP rod bolts along with some forged pistons, replace the heads or get yours ported by someone who knows whats up, and get a bigger cam, might call tyler crockett, www.crockettmarineengines.com for a kit, he is good

CHAOS REIGNS

I guess i am also asking - if I should just bolt something on to this old of an egine -- and run it till it blows

Or am i better off pulling it and getting it rebuilt and totally gone through?

blown formula

It is now winter, rather than do a half-ass job of it with a 'Charger of some type and then get stranded next summer with a blown engine, pull the motor and do it right now.

Decide BEFORE your rebuild if you want to be naturally aspirated or supercharged/Procharged/Whippled as the compression will be much lower (around 8.5) supercharged. The 'charged versions will create a lot more power generally for less money than cams & heads and other mods. The internals do have to be stronger to supercharge, but I would do that anyway!
Also, it may be cheaper to find a Mag engine (one with forged crank, & pistons). You will have better internals to start with and cut your overall cost.

CHAOS REIGNS

thanks -- that is exactly the advice i am looking for.


I am wanting 450 hp -- what do you guy's think is the best route to get that?

should i scrap my 454?

blown formula

NO

A full roller 454 can easily develope 450 hp. In fact you may be able to fine a "crate" 454 engine on the web. C-P Performance used to sell a 454-450 hp engine... all forged and rollered. It was a good engine....cpperformance.com

There are others such as Dennis Miller on this board who can & will give you advise in the rebuild dept. There are several "recipes" available on the board, you just have to "search" for them!!

tssteph

GM has a 454HO 425 hp 500 ft/lbs torgue motor that sells for around $4300 brand new. Roller cam forged pistons, steel crank, 8.75 compression ratio for pump gas, square port heads. Might not be a bad choice for the money, I like the thought of a brand new motor.

Brian

blown formula

Try this:

1800runsnew.com

marine 454's & 502's

CHAOS REIGNS

so do ya'll think mine is just to old to bother with spending the cash on a rebuild/upgrade?

formula31

No, There are many of us getting 425-475 hp out of old 330's. But the investment to do it right might be the same as buying one. I prefer to know what I have and like to do most of the work myself so I rebuild instead of buying. it all depends on your time, equipment and knowledge. If thats a 79 engine, you may already have the large oval port heads and would just need to go up to bigger valves. If you have someone do it, make triple sure they are reliable and knowledgable with MARINE performance engines. Get references from the board. Many horror stories. Theres a lot to be said for buying new. Its your decision.