[strick]

Thanks fellas for all the help. We are going to pull the engine tomorrow. Mechanic found two cracks in the top of both manifolds. I want the engine out so I can clean up the bilge etc.. If I keep the 350 I want to do it up right which would entail new manifolds and risers, re doing the heads, electronic ignition, fresh water cooled and a few other gadgets. He has a 2 454 mercruisers sitting in crates at his shop (one is a factory rebuild and has less the 100 hrs) with all the bells and whistles already for a very good price. So we are discussing the pros and cons of both applications in terms of labor and $$ spent on parts. My mechanic tells me that the 290 out drive will handle the 454 ok. Will post more pictures soon.

Chris I will be in touch.

strick