'79 SD 260 engine options

Question about the '79 Sundancer 260.

I bought a project boat that came with the original 260hp Chevy 350. Turns out the block, heads, and manifold were cracked so I'm going to have to replace the engine.

Trying to get some insight on what other Sundancer owners have done...

I've thought about going with another 260hp SB Chevy motor or upping it to 300hp. Or going with a 454 pushing around 300-310hp. (I know the Alpha drive is only rated for 300hp).

Also on the fence about FI vs Carb. Leaning towards Carb because IMHO its closer to an original look and cheaper to mantain IMHO.

hey there - i have similar or same boat and am thinking about repower options too

my opinion is go with 6.2 horizon merc with bravo drive or big block with bravo

original 260 in mine was rebuilt this year - alpha drive new.

still not powerful enough for good cruise speed.

my cruise is around 20knts - still awesome, and boat rides great - but such a racy hull needs to go faster

let me know if you get any good tips. what about a volvo small block package with duo prop?

JerryTX, I have an 81, 260 and replaced the 350 block with a 454 and it blew up the Alpha drive the first season. I had the opportunity to purchase a 502 and added a new bravo 111 drive. I have 10 years on this conversion and it hasd worked great. The fast hull now runs in ;the low 50's on GPS. If you stay with the 350 the Alpha drive will work out just fine.
Good luck on the project, Time Off