SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Engine Mechanical / Electrical => Topic started by: bills79southwind on October 08, 2009, 04:36:47 AM

Title: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 08, 2009, 04:36:47 AM
I bought a 79 southwind 3 years ago and I wiped the cam recently.  The offseason on the East Coast is jsut starting and I want to get started early. I've decided to replace the 454 with a complete new motor.   I've been doing some research and the price ranges vary significantly depending on who you go with. For example, Promar has a turnkey 540 with the following specs. 

Chevy 540CI Big Block Marine 600HP 700FT/LBS TQ

Block
NEW Dart BIG M Block 4.500 bore
4 bolt main 2 pc seal design

Cylinder Heads
World Products Rectangular port heads 320cc intake runners
Chrome Moly locks and retainers
Stainless Valves 2.300 intake 1.88 exhaust
HP Springs to handle 650 lift
3 angle competition valve job
ARP Performance head bolts

Valve Train
Crane Hyd Roller Cam 610/632 lift 234/242 107/117
Crane Hyd Roller lifters
True Double Roller timing chain
Scorpion Aluminum Roller Rockers 1.7 ratio
Hardened studs and plates

Rotating Assembly
J&E Forged Pistons
H beam rods
4340 Forged Steel Crank 4.250 stroke
Balanced rotating assembly within 1 Gram
Hastings Plasma Moly Rings
Clevite Bearings

Intake and Tinware
World Marine Intake w 4500 base
Professional Products Balancer
Canton 10qt marine offshore pan
Chrome tall valve covers
New OE style timing cover
New OE Style Flywheel
Assembled with all grade 8 hardware.
Holley 850 CFM marine carburetor
Mallory Marine Distributor
Accel Plug wires
Champion Spark Plugs

My goal is to get something in the 600 hp range that is naturally aspirated.  The turnkey cost for this setup is about 13k with a Dyno sheet.  If you guys no of a better option i'm all ears.  Thanks for your responses.

Bill
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: crewchief22 on October 08, 2009, 06:24:24 AM
I was under the impression that most of these types of engines were designed more for offshore boats that may not be using an open cooling system (lake/river water through the block), possibly causing a problem with piston/cylinder tolerances.
 
Are these engines "build to suit" and do you have any say in how it is machined (supplied with a build sheet)?

One other problem I see is Crane Cams went out of business ..... are the parts they are using from the company that went out of business or the company that bought the "name"?  Either way, what is the warranty for the components inside the engine?  And if there is a problem will they stand behind it?

Just some things to think about.
Good luck
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 08, 2009, 06:33:20 AM
You bring up some good points.. I'll have to check with the company and find out what cam and what sort of warranty they are offering.   :banghead:
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: Ralph Brunt on October 08, 2009, 06:42:36 AM
have dave at a&d engines build you a motor and ship it to you, he goes by engine doctor here on  the boards. i am all for supporting the vendors on our boards, or at least giving them  the first shot at my business.

ralph
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: Marcsrollin on October 08, 2009, 09:05:35 AM
13K for 600HP ??? You should be able to find 600HP for half that!!!! :screwy:
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: Luckie Stiff on October 08, 2009, 09:34:11 AM
13K for 600HP ??? You should be able to find 600HP for half that!!!! :screwy:

I fully agree with you Marc, that's a lot of damn money for the amount of HP he's getting.
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 08, 2009, 09:42:07 AM
Thanks very much everyone.. I'll give enginedoc a PM   
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 08, 2009, 09:43:06 AM
That's why I am here :)  thanks very much everyone.   
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: SLCKREG on October 08, 2009, 10:51:45 AM
I'd be a little suprised if the offshore pan fit. I'd be suprised if Barry (obnoxious001) couldn't hook you up with more "bang for the buck".
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 14, 2009, 10:08:47 AM
Working with Barry on this. :) more to follow
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: obnoxious001 on October 14, 2009, 11:18:10 AM
Working with Barry on this. :) more to follow

I am not saying anything yet, but this one should be a lot of fun to post photos and build information.
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 19, 2009, 06:30:25 PM
Can't wait to get this project going Barry  >:D  .   Should freak a few people out on the potomac river for sure :)  (East coast boating) 
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: jet boat performance on October 20, 2009, 08:24:09 PM
Glad to see you opted for a PRO instead of PROduction Good choice !
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: enginedoctor on October 20, 2009, 08:45:06 PM
Glad to see you opted for a PRO instead of PROduction Good choice !


How are we doing on follow -up JPB :screwy:
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: jet boat performance on October 20, 2009, 09:11:01 PM

How are we doing on follow -up JPB :screwy:

Dave don't want to thread jack I'll touch base with you later in the week Tom
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: enginedoctor on October 20, 2009, 10:01:52 PM
Thank's...You are the best ;D
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 21, 2009, 09:20:36 AM
A little homework goes a long way.  Not to mention all of the information and quality people on here (even if they are all on the west cost  ;D)


Bill
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: obnoxious001 on October 21, 2009, 07:15:13 PM
Glad to see you opted for a PRO instead of PROduction Good choice !

Thanks for the vote of confidence.  If we proceed with the project, and Bill doesn't mind, I will post photos and details.  This one should be lots of fun!  I believe this one will see the dyno as well.
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: pw_Tony on October 21, 2009, 07:38:00 PM
Would like to see all the good stuff  :thumbup: Motor builds are always exciting
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: jet boat performance on October 22, 2009, 08:50:38 AM
Would like to see all the good stuff  :thumbup: Motor builds are always exciting
I agree "cant wait to spank the baby to life" going to maybe lite the Mopar today  ;)
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: jrork on October 22, 2009, 04:40:04 PM
Thanks for the vote of confidence.  If we proceed with the project, and Bill doesn't mind, I will post photos and details.  This one should be lots of fun!  I believe this one will see the dyno as well.

Right on!!!!  You'll really enjoy working with Barry. He built me a really nice setup for my tub.  You won't be dissappointed............  good luck........john
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 22, 2009, 07:15:35 PM
Thanks John.. He's already been awesome to work with.. Very straight up and honest  :thumbup:  Barry, feel free to post anything you like along the way :)
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: obnoxious001 on October 23, 2009, 12:16:52 AM
Thanks John.. He's already been awesome to work with.. Very straight up and honest  :thumbup:  Barry, feel free to post anything you like along the way :)

Why don't you announce what we will be building.  Once I actually start working on it, I will put up some photos and stuff.  I talked to the dyno guy that I plan to use for a bit today. 
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: jrork on October 23, 2009, 09:58:29 AM
Why don't you announce what we will be building. 

Yah, what Barry said....... ;D
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 26, 2009, 06:11:07 AM
Barry,

feel free to announce it.  You have all the specs and correct terminology :).  I'm learning along the way ..  :thumbup:
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: obnoxious001 on October 26, 2009, 08:59:50 AM
Ok,, the plan is to build a really nice 638 cu in engine with a single carb.  We found a good deal on some lightly used American parts, as follows:

Merlin "Pro" block 10.2" tall deck
Crower  crankshaft
Oliver connecting rods
CP pistons (new)
ATI balancer
Brodix BB2 "Extra" heads
Jesel shaft rockers
Brodix single plane intake, Domintor flange

I already had the block at the shop having the paint removed before the current owner decided to resell the parts, and the rotating assembly is already balanced, so it's mostly a matter of selecting and purchasing the parts needed to complete the engine, and then putting it all together.  We have already discussed dyno testing since it's going to take a ride across the country once I am done with it.  Knowing the power output will be a nice bonus, but making sure that it runs properly with no leaks should be worth the extra money spent.
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: SLCKREG on October 26, 2009, 09:34:32 AM
Holy crap that's a monster :o  Curious what kind of bore and stroke does it take to get 638 inches. What rod length and ratio will she have?
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 26, 2009, 06:04:17 PM
I"m sure Barry will chime in on this.. I haven't a clue lmao :screwy:
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: jrork on October 27, 2009, 05:58:16 PM
Ok,, the plan is to build a really nice 638 cu in engine with a single carb.  We found a good deal on some lightly used American parts, as follows:

Merlin "Pro" block 10.2" tall deck
Crower  crankshaft
Oliver connecting rods
CP pistons (new)
ATI balancer
Brodix BB2 "Extra" heads
Jesel shaft rockers
Brodix single plane intake, Domintor flange

I already had the block at the shop having the paint removed before the current owner decided to resell the parts, and the rotating assembly is already balanced, so it's mostly a matter of selecting and purchasing the parts needed to complete the engine, and then putting it all together.  We have already discussed dyno testing since it's going to take a ride across the country once I am done with it.  Knowing the power output will be a nice bonus, but making sure that it runs properly with no leaks should be worth the extra money spent.

NICE!!!   Barry will do you proud
Title: Re: offseason new motor purchase
Post by: bills79southwind on October 27, 2009, 07:19:37 PM
I have no doubt  ;D
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