HI ALL, I'M RESTORING A '71 BOAT-TAIL, AND WANT TO UPGRADE THE 455 ENGINE. WHAT ARE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CARB, INTAKE, CAM, AND EXHAUST SETUPS TO GIVE HER A LITTLE MORE ASS WITHOUT KILLING MY WALLET. THANKS, GENE
TA cam 288-94h is good for our boats. The 71 still has the same heads as the 70, so they are real good, but the pistons have been dished to drop compression. If you are doing a rebuild, a .030 overbore and 70 replacement pistons are a good idea. If not rebuilding the engine, the pistons will be fine. Send your carb to Biggs or John Osborne for a rebuild. I know you can DIY, but Biggs and John provide unmatched performance, response and economy. Best money you'll spend short of really putting "bolt-ons" on. An Edelbrock Performer helps, but really should be port matched to make any real difference. TA Shorty headers and a 2 1/2" exhaust (NO LESS DIAMETER!) will make a huge diff. MSD 6AL ignition box helps. Pertronix points replacement systems have had questionable durability issues. Recurve the distributor and set the timing so that all mechanical advance is in by 2500 RPMs and peaks at 34*. Ignore where you set the initial timing, you should only worry about total mechanical timing. You'll fry tires like you've never seen.
