Well my budget for this boat basically depends on what I get for my other boat (21' Wellcraft cuddy) that I am selling. It has a rebuilt 350 (40 over) with Dart Iron Eagle heads with SS valves. I converted it from the carb to a MPFI system and am guessing it has around 300+- hp now. Once I sell that in the spring, that'll be my spending money for this boat.

On the new boat, I doubt I will spend the money for the mpfi system, although nice didn't do much performance wise. I'd rather just spend the money on motor... but a marine carb is definitely a must. I don't know if I want a Holley double pumper or eldelbrock or? What works best with 454?

If I stroke it to the 496, should I run at least a 850 cfm carb? Also, marine cams tend to be very mild because of the exhaust exitting in the water. My new boat exits thru stern so camming is not out of the question. Would still need a torque cam that would probably run to about mid 5500 rpms.