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454 swap to 502

R

rrrwel

New member
I'm looking into all options for a repower. My 88 Crusader 454s are getting tired with 1700 hours on them. For some added performance can I get a set 502 blocks instead 454's. I guess what I'm asking is what can I use off the old 454's? I'v seen some 502's ready to go with the intakes included. The boat is 21000 lbs so the 502's torque becomes handy.

Any suggestions would be helpful
 
I would do some research on the 502's, I haven't heard good things about them compared to the 454's.

Here are a couple of comments off the Tiara board.

The issue here is not just gas vs diesel. The 502 is unfortunately not a very robust engine, and they have had durability issues, especially in large (for gas engines) boats like a 35 Express. Push them a little hard and they come apart. This is not true of the 454s or 8.1s. In addition, you have to watch the oil levels, as they burn oil. I personally would not buy any boat with 502s. I had a 35 Express with 450 Cummins, great boat. I know several people who have them that had Sea Rays previously and will say that there is no comparison.

  • Re: Re: 35' Express - sbw1 - 03/15/2009 10:39 AM
    Second the oil use comment. A quart of oil use for every 3-5 hours of running time is not unusual for a 502.
Bob
 
Most of the bolt on stuff will switch over. biggest item to watch out for is the fuel pump. the newer 502 blocks won't have a mechanical pump mounting point. this means electric fuel pumps only. If you get the MPI version, you'll have to add the computer too.

You may be better off with complete engines. Your bolt ons are over 20 years old so I wouldn't expect much life out of them. there's nothing worse than having to "work" on "new engines" with regularity, due to old stuff failing. Just food for thought.
 
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