454/496 build for Glen-L rampage

[Denon Osterman]

Well, a quick update on my end...I decided to completely abandon my plan but am still very happy with things turned out.

In short, I came across a Merc 454 Magnum in *amazing* condition for roughly 3k US. Leakdown and compression were like new, and it's a complete motor. It's a 4 bolt, forged everything with 188 heads, decent intake carb and cam - so with a cam swap, a little TLC on the heads, and potentially a new carb and intake, I should be pushing close to 500 hp (it comes in at roughly 400 "as is", so 500 should be pretty eas [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] with the right combo of parts...and the short block is built like a tank so I'm not worried about longevity at that power level). Not quite the plan I had in mind but given the price, condition, effort, and the *sexiest* valve covers I've ever seen...it was just too good to pass up. Plus, having done some number crunching, the boat is actually a bit lighter than expected, and I honestly don't think I'll notice much of a difference between 500 and 550 hp...whereas I will definitely notice the extra few thousand I have lying around to spend on gas!

I'll continue to post updates every few months as I go through the build in case anyone has recommendations, thoughts, etc. In the meantime...pictures!