[Scottie1961]

Planning to swap out the top-end of the 350. There's nothing wrong with the motor but of course I can't be satisfied with that and I feel the need to spend additional finances for a few measly HP's. It's a 95 so no Vortec heads and it's carbed of course. I'm planning to use the Edelbrock Performer intake with a 1410 carb. Also might swap out the exhaust for GLM tuned exhaust. Everything seems solid so I'm not planning on opening up the lower end.

My question is about the specific model of intake. I see the RPM non-Vortec is tuned for 1500-6500. I've seen an EPS version that is spec'd for idle-5500. I can't seem to find the marine version of the EPS. Is this for auto only or is there a marine version? I pull skiers and tubes so want the torque. I've also seen the air-gap but not familiar with how that compares. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Hunter12345]

Someone may chime in with an answer, ive asked these same questions even in other boat forums like iboats, some will tell you, if your going to do it, go all out ( heads, carb, intake, rods, rod bolts, cams,the list goes on!) apparently with the right set up, you can spin these motors up to 5200 rpm at wot.

Heres a copied 350 packages ive looked up ( was back in 2009) i got this from:

I've ran 5 different small blocks now with my Alpha. A stock Merc 260, 355 w flat tappet cam, L98 aluminum heads,
355 w AFR heads, solid roller, intake and exhaust, 360ci w flat tappet cam, AFR heads, etc......

Keep the 1.50 gears, they are the best for small block performance. Remember power is made in the heads, skimp on them and you will not get the power you want. You can easily spin your 350 MAG more than 4600rpms. The bottom end can handle 5200-5500 for reasonable WOT runs. Watch oil temp and pressure.


Here are a few combo's you could use.....

Comp Pro Mag 1.5 roller rockers
correct length pushrods
aluminum Vortec dual plane intake
650 CFM DP Holley
Vortec 170cc heads modified for higher lift and with screw in studs and upgraded valvesprings
Comp XM270 hydraulic roller 218/224 .495/.503 112+2
Your choice exhaust I think you said EMI's?

Should idle fine with the Alpha, make good lowend and midrange torque and pull hard to 5200-5500rpms. With the above you should break into the 60's easily.

Or copy my old 355 combo.....

Crane 1.6I and Lunati 1.52 roller rockers
Holley 750 DP
226/230 .537/.511 112+2 hyd roller
AFR 190cc aluminum heads 73cc 10.1SCR
Edelbrock Performer RPM
Glenwood Magnaflow manifolds and Fastglass long risers

Motor spun 5700rpms with a 23p labbed 3 blade cleaver @ 76.2GPS best speed I ever saw. Made 400hp.

But, most guys will tell ya, and ive heard it before too, you want more torque, go big block. Lol!


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[Scottie1961]

That's great info Hunter12345 and gives me some things to think about. I'm thinking this might be a phased approach to get where I want to be. Adding the intake and carb would provide a little boost to the ole 350/260 motor. Maybe new exhaust to help her breathe. Then my ADD will kick in and I'll need to do other stuff to the motor. Phase II it probably makes sense to go Vortec and do it up right with the right cam and roller/rockers and other goodies. Might be more cost effective to just go with a pre-built long block and reuse the carb and exhaust I'll be bolting to this motor. Though, at that point I might just go with a 383 stroker motor and be done with it. Of course, then I'll have to replace the outdrive...... Does this ever end?

By the way, the "Performer" intake is rated for Idle-5500 and is marine capable. It is also substantially cheaper than the "Performer RPM".

[Hunter12345]

Originally Posted by Scottie1961

That's great info Hunter12345 and gives me some things to think about. I'm thinking this might be a phased approach to get where I want to be. Adding the intake and carb would provide a little boost to the ole 350/260 motor. Maybe new exhaust to help her breathe. Then my ADD will kick in and I'll need to do other stuff to the motor. Phase II it probably makes sense to go Vortec and do it up right with the right cam and roller/rockers and other goodies. Might be more cost effective to just go with a pre-built long block and reuse the carb and exhaust I'll be bolting to this motor. Though, at that point I might just go with a 383 stroker motor and be done with it. Of course, then I'll have to replace the outdrive...... Does this ever end?

By the way, the "Performer" intake is rated for Idle-5500 and is marine capable. It is also substantially cheaper than the "Performer RPM".

I know my friend its an addiction... [emoji12]


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[Hunter12345]

If you do anything chime in with some numbers! Blowing up engines is big down in the states, ive read guys making big block horsepower from a 350, but it takes work, and a line of credit the wife doesn't know about.. haha!


'98 mariah shabah 180
5.7l 350 mag
Bravo III

[Paul F]

Hunter,

How does that 18 foot bow rider run with a 350 and Bravo 3?

Is the swim platform above water at rest?

[Hunter12345]

Originally Posted by Paul F

Hunter,



How does that 18 foot bow rider run with a 350 and Bravo 3?



Is the swim platform above water at rest?

She rests in the water like any other 18' with the 4.3l. Lots of torque on hand for watersports.
Hole shot and acceleration makes passengers wonder if they made a mistake by getting into the boat..lol!
Starts walking a bit with the four by fours 28p around 63/64 mph. Ive only done top speed runs a few times, never really go wot, never need to.
I like the original 3x3's 26p the best though.


'98 mariah shabah 180
5.7l 350 mag
Bravo III

[Paul F]

I bet it feels like 90 mph in an 18 footer. 48 mph seems really fast in my boat.

[Hunter12345]

[QUOTE=Paul F;61020]I bet it feels like 90 mph in an 18 footer. 48 mph seems really fast in my boat.[/

Ya its pretty funny to see peoples expressions when they pass you doing 45 or so mph wot, then they see the little Mariah blow by them over 60 mph. Lmao
Shes a sleeper.


'98 mariah shabah 180
5.7l 350 mag
Bravo III

[Unknownmariah]

Originally Posted by Hunter12345

Someone may chime in with an answer, ive asked these same questions even in other boat forums like iboats, some will tell you, if your going to do it, go all out ( heads, carb, intake, rods, rod bolts, cams,the list goes on!) apparently with the right set up, you can spin these motors up to 5200 rpm at wot.

Heres a copied 350 packages ive looked up ( was back in 2009) i got this from:

I've ran 5 different small blocks now with my Alpha. A stock Merc 260, 355 w flat tappet cam, L98 aluminum heads,
355 w AFR heads, solid roller, intake and exhaust, 360ci w flat tappet cam, AFR heads, etc......

Keep the 1.50 gears, they are the best for small block performance. Remember power is made in the heads, skimp on them and you will not get the power you want. You can easily spin your 350 MAG more than 4600rpms. The bottom end can handle 5200-5500 for reasonable WOT runs. Watch oil temp and pressure.


Here are a few combo's you could use.....

Comp Pro Mag 1.5 roller rockers
correct length pushrods
aluminum Vortec dual plane intake
650 CFM DP Holley
Vortec 170cc heads modified for higher lift and with screw in studs and upgraded valvesprings
Comp XM270 hydraulic roller 218/224 .495/.503 112+2
Your choice exhaust I think you said EMI's?

Should idle fine with the Alpha, make good lowend and midrange torque and pull hard to 5200-5500rpms. With the above you should break into the 60's easily.

Or copy my old 355 combo.....

Crane 1.6I and Lunati 1.52 roller rockers
Holley 750 DP
226/230 .537/.511 112+2 hyd roller
AFR 190cc aluminum heads 73cc 10.1SCR
Edelbrock Performer RPM
Glenwood Magnaflow manifolds and Fastglass long risers

Motor spun 5700rpms with a 23p labbed 3 blade cleaver @ 76.2GPS best speed I ever saw. Made 400hp.

But, most guys will tell ya, and ive heard it before too, you want more torque, go big block. Lol!


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So if I have a 94 Mariah Talari with 350 mag can I copy most of what you did save for the exhaust? What kind of increase in HP would I expect? Considering my motor has 800 hours should I even risk pushing it?

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