7.4l & Bravo 1 opinions

Knot Waiting

Knot Waiting

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Jun 23, 2006
Messages
761
What's you opinions on the Mercruiser 7.4l 454 Mag and Bravo 1 driveline? I am buying a 1991 boat with this arrangement and would like some input. Thank you.
 
tpenfield

tpenfield

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Re: 7.4l & Bravo 1 opinions

I think it is pretty OK. :D (since I got one, but it is not the Magnum)

The Magnum has the rectangular intake ports instead of the oval ports, which gives it a better high end (+35 HP ). Overall, the 454 is a fairly bullet-proof engine and the 1991 models were based on the GM "Mark IV' version of the 454 which has the self adjusting valves, which is nice.

The bravo outdrive is very heavy duty and seems to work well . . . I hear very little complaining about Bravos on this forum . . .

So, put those 2 things together (Mercruiser 454 and Bravo 1) and you have got a nice package.
 
S

sswheeler

Seaman Apprentice
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Jan 20, 2008
Messages
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Re: 7.4l & Bravo 1 opinions

tpenfield said:
I think it is pretty OK. :D (since I got one, but it is not the Magnum)

The Magnum has the rectangular intake ports instead of the oval ports, which gives it a better high end (+35 HP ). Overall, the 454 is a fairly bullet-proof engine and the 1991 models were based on the GM "Mark IV' version of the 454 which has the self adjusting valves, which is nice.

The bravo outdrive is very heavy duty and seems to work well . . . I hear very little complaining about Bravos on this forum . . .

So, put those 2 things together (Mercruiser 454 and Bravo 1) and you have got a nice package.
Click to expand...

+1 .
 
QC

QC

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Mar 22, 2005
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22,783
Re: 7.4l & Bravo 1 opinions

I am curious about the ratings as there was actually a 310 hp 7.4L and a 385 454 Mag, both MPI later. What vintage? I don't think there have been any serious problems associated with the 7.4, 454 or even 502 for that matter. Bravo 1s are pretty much bullet proof below 400 bhp.
 
M

MarkSee

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Sep 10, 2010
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1,172
Re: 7.4l & Bravo 1 opinions

I have the 310hp 7.4 mpi that is a 2000 mated to a bravo 3.

My buddy has a 454 (no-magnum) GenIV 1994 that he had bored .30 over and puts out around 430 hp mated to a bravo 1 and has no issues with it.

Mark
 
Knot Waiting

Knot Waiting

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 23, 2006
Messages
761
Re: 7.4l & Bravo 1 opinions

Ahhh, you guys just made me feel a whole lot better about my new investment. I'm sure you've all felt the new boat jitters before, this helps, thanks.
 
T

TilliamWe

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Dec 21, 2004
Messages
6,579
Re: 7.4l & Bravo 1 opinions

It's a good combo, for sure. Just need to compression check it and make sure it was maintained properly. Also, for some reason the exhaust manifolds can rust on the bottom side and rust the head bolts too. Just just check that out too.
 
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