Rebuilding '94 Maxum 2300 with Bravo I and 454

henderd

Cadet
Joined
Jan 9, 2004
Messages
9
Hi folks. I'm new to the forum, and found lots of great info already... Being a bit too adventurous for my own good, I am attempting to rebuild a '94 Maxum 2300SC (probably about 4500lb). The engine is shot, and the outdrive is missing. I'm thinking about replacing the 454 with a 350 in the process. Planning to use the boat to tote the family around on Lake George, pull the kids on skiis, etc. Not really concerned about top speed, but don't want a complete dog either. Thanks for any advice!<br /><br />Here are the current specs:<br />- 454 (7.4) Merc. with Bravo I outdrive (serial #0F302580)<br />- Block is cracked, outdrive missing, exhaust risers/manifolds missing, lift motor missing. Had water in the cylinders, so I suspect the valves are bad also.<br />- Transom and lifts seem OK (for what that's worth)<br />- Coupler shows some wear on the forward end of the splines - probably best to replace it while out.<br /><br />I'm thinking of a few main options for the engine:<br />- Get a rebuilt 454 LB (or SB if the heads turn out better than expected) and a rebuilt Brv I<br />- Dump the 454 in favor of a 350. I would probably need to go with the full engine in this case because I wouldn't have all the parts from the old one.<br />- The idea of converting a car engine is interesting - should be able to use the alternator and possibly other parts (starter, carb?) from the existing engine - but may run into more expense & trouble than it is worth. <br />- Could just fork out a bunch of cash and get a new/rebuilt entire engine and drive. Use the old stuff for spares. I'm finding prices in the $9500 range for these. More money, but would take care of missing lift motor, manifolds, etc.<br /><br />Thanks!
 

bomar76

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 27, 2002
Messages
1,963
Re: Rebuilding '94 Maxum 2300 with Bravo I and 454

Stay with the BBC setup. That is what you are currently rigged for - and that's a heavy boat.<br />From what you state I am guessing the gimbal and transom assembly is still on the transom. Stay with Bravo.<br />You can pick up used Bravo outdrives on ebay (or buy a new on on iboats :rolleyes: ) for 1500 or so if you watch. Just make certain you get the correct ratio.<br />Buy Dennis Moores book "Big Block Chevy High Performance" (they might sell it somewhere on this site or www.mooreperformance.com) and it will detail all the auto vs. marine differences.<br />You could buy a bare auto block and easily build one up for your boat following Dennis's advice.<br />If it were me I would yank the heads to see were you were on those. Lots of BBC heads out there....
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,139
Re: Rebuilding '94 Maxum 2300 with Bravo I and 454

That is Excellent Advice......<br />(bomar76, edit your post,+ remove the ")" on the end of the link, so it'll work)<br /><br />Stick with the Big Block.....<br />Rebuild or Replace what you've got....<br />The Big Block/Bravo is The Package to Have ....<br />Your boat with a small block, would be as Peppy as a small Island to ski behind.....<br /><br />Dennis's books are a Wealth of Information....<br />I've got his "Small-Block Chevy Marine Performance".....<br />Dave Emanuel also has a Really Good book out on the BBC, "Big Block Chevy Performance".....<br />It gives you most of the same info as Dennis's book, Only without the Marine spin on it.....<br /><br />You can either go the "Package Deal", or Piece it together......<br />I do the latter,+ Sometimes Spend More, Thinking I'm Saving Money......<br />There's alot of MachineShops,+ Marine Shops/Riggers down your way... Check around Lake George....
 

bomar76

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 27, 2002
Messages
1,963
Re: Rebuilding '94 Maxum 2300 with Bravo I and 454

I managed to make it worse so I will leave it alone now.<br />Hopefully he will figure it out. ;)
 

Bondo

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Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,139
Re: Rebuilding '94 Maxum 2300 with Bravo I and 454

Ya, It Really don't Matter........<br />Appears to me that Dennis is doing better on ebay, than he is at his own website.......<br />The page header says the domain is For Sale......<br />There's nothing but a generic search engine below that.......
 

Walt T

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Messages
1,369
Re: Rebuilding '94 Maxum 2300 with Bravo I and 454

In my own opinion e bay is too risky. You would be better off buying a longblock from a local supplier that will provide a warranty. I have seen and worked on stuff people have bought from e bay and it aint pretty. You could quite possibly end up spending more money trying to clean up a junk engine. I'm sure there are many success stories but from my side of the toolbox, it's too risky.
 

bomar76

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 27, 2002
Messages
1,963
Re: Rebuilding '94 Maxum 2300 with Bravo I and 454

While I have purchased a lot on ebay (including purchases over $20,000) and had excellent results. No real complaints at all.
 

henderd

Cadet
Joined
Jan 9, 2004
Messages
9
Re: Rebuilding '94 Maxum 2300 with Bravo I and 454

Thanks for your replies and advice so far. I ordered Dennis' book from Amazon yesterday. I'll probably take your advice and stick with the BBC. I'll keep you posted.
 
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