Motor Upgrades... is it worth it?

[NorCalBFN]

ok here's the scoop. My 454 ci out of my 89 Barefoot is in the machine shop getting rebuilt as i am typing. Since i have the entire thing torn down, i think this would be the right time to do improvements if any, such as a beefier cam, aluminum manifold, carb whatever. has anyone done any upgrades and actually have noticed a difference? I know it's a boat and not a race car, but having a smooth, well built motor is nice anytime. also, anyone ever swap a points/condensor type distributor for an electronic ignition setup? thanks for any input.

[siuski]

I'd just make sure that the tranny can handle the extra hp output.

[Rick]

I had my 318 balance dhwen I rebuilt it. I also went with breakerless ignition from pertronics. Its worth every penny of the 100 biucks i spent.

[NCH2oSki]

The electronic ignition is the way to go, easily worth $100.00

[nms1991]

have the machine shop balance and blueprint the block and set the cam at straight up 0 and install a breakerless ignition system. If you want to switch out the camshaft call Crane cams and see if they have a better camshaft also tell them it is a reverse rotation engine in the boat and it is driven by a gear drive. The trans if rebuilt can handle the extra horsepower and torque of this engine, I think it is a 10-18-004 borg warner velvet drive, check your dampener plate and pump when it is rebuilt any questions replace it for the peace of mind.

[Konky81Nauti]

Is the electronic ignition for $100 a conversion kit w/ the old distributor, or a complete new distributor?

[Rick]

Pertronix is a conversion kit http://www.pertronix.com