"Allen,
Sounds like a match
"Allen,
Sounds like a match made in heaven. A couple things to keep in mind:
First, I'm assuming you mean 8.1.
If your boat is equipped with return line fittings in the fuel tank, use the return type fuel system, otherwise you will have to go with the returnless system. The return type system has the fuel pump (FCC) on the front of the engine and easy to service. The returnless system requires the fuel to pass through a cooler to keep it from vaporlocking. This cooler is mounted down beneath the port motor mount and not easily serviced. If your 454 is FI you should already be using return lines.
Crusader now requires a 90gph RACOR filter be installed with each new engine. It does not come with the motor so if you don't already have one in the system, make sure you include that as part of the installation.
The width of the exhaust discharge is about an inch greater with the 8.1. This has never effected an installation for me, but it is something to keep in mind. It would only be a problem if you had some type of rigid exhaust system in place that won't give an inch.
Make sure you are very careful when setting up the throttle cable. The electronic throttle control is not very forgiving regarding travel. Once set up, they are fine but if you just connect the old cable and jam the throttle forward you can count on breaking it.
Make sure you get the risers as high as possible. You can double up on the riser kits if possible. There is not a problem with the system but, as with any engine, the higher you can get, the better you are.
And finally, you will probably need to reprop. You will want to have a tech onboard with a computer for your first seatrial. The rev limiters in these guys are so soft, you won't realize it is engaged. Instead of bouncing off the limiter at max RPMs, the new system simply reduces the throttle to the max limit. The diagnostic tool will show the tech the actual throttle achieved. You could have the throttle at 100% but the engine may only be achieving 90% because you are at max RPMs. Without the diagnostic tool there is no way of knowing this.
I have seen cases where a boat was way underpropped and the owner never knew it. This, of course, effects performance and fuel economy.
I hope this information was helpful and congratulations on your "new boat". That 's what it will be when you're done.
Rick"