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View Full Version : How to get to 500hp



CDMA
10-30-2001, 10:39 AM
The 22 is going together really well so far but I still am without an engine. And honestly the budget is shot. My goal, to start, is 500 hp. Just so you know what I have to work with so far:

1989 454/330 cast everything...complete Mercruiser bobtail

460 ford bobtail as well but not marine

I just assumed I would use a BBC but I read the article about the guy at Drew Marine who does the big HP Fords for offshore racing. Has its downfalls but also seems pretty cool. Probably would not seriuosly do that just looking into all options. I was wondering what the opinions of the board was regarding the best way to get to 500 reliable horsepower on some kind of budget.

I MAY also have acess to a 454 mag. 143 original hourse...perfect shape. Would cost about a grand. How about that engine with a head, cam and carb swap. I will be running gil hp500 exhaust...I think. Would that get me 500 reliable horsepower?


Chris

mikev
10-30-2001, 12:44 PM
gm sells the 502hp 502 big block in a crate, i think they go for about 4500 im sure that would move you along quiet well.

Jamesbon
10-30-2001, 01:00 PM
Chris,
Here's what I would do...with a Chevy...

Match a set of new forged pistons to whatever combustion chamber size you're using for a final compression ratio of 10:1, then get yourself a fairly healthy cam and put it all together. I'm confident your cast crank is more than strong enough for 500 hp. As always, install new bearings, bore block balance and have your heads cleaned up.

I'm sure you have already checked OSO, but if not, there's usually forged cranks and stuff for sale.

I just picked up a Holley 980 marine carb., fully modified by Nickerson Performance. :D

My $.02.

Nate

PaulO
10-30-2001, 04:18 PM
2 250 HP Yamahas on a 24" bracket!!!!!!!!!!!!

donziclassik18
10-30-2001, 04:21 PM
a crate engine from jegs would be easiest, a 502 hp out of a 502 block, 9.6:1 compression ratio about 6,500

or just buy a 2 stage dual shot cheater NOS system with up to 250hp for 610 bucks
good luck to you

CDMA
10-30-2001, 05:03 PM
Paul but then what would I do with my Arneson...I bet I couldn't sell it... ;) ;)

Chris

HP 600SC
10-30-2001, 05:08 PM
Chris, yea can't think of anyone that would want that old Arneson of your's!
Maybe sell it for scrap. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/tongue05.gif

CDMA
10-30-2001, 05:20 PM
I was wondering if the scrap yard would take it...don't they usually want the metals separated???

Chris :D

HP 600SC
10-30-2001, 05:32 PM
Chris, Tell ya what....just as a friendly
favor to you, I'll handle the entire transaction for you and send you the money
from the scrapyard. Send me the Arneson drive
and I'll take it to them ASAP. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/indifferent02.gif

Philip47
10-30-2001, 05:46 PM
The 502 crate "car motor" is not the way to go, wrong cam etc, not balanced to run a the sustained RPM of a boat etc, etc.

Why not bore the 454 .30 over, use quality parts, balance and blueprint, some mild head porting and a Ultradyne cam and you should easily be in the 475 - 500 range with the right exhaust and carb.

Just my thought

RickR
10-30-2001, 06:45 PM
Are the Gils wet or dry?
If they are dry, 500HP should be attainable out of the 454 at around 6000RPMs.

But if they are wet you're going to need boost or NOS to get the HP. Biggest recommended cam for 454 w/wet exhaust has 230degrees duration @ .050.

Crane's HP 500 Cam (169611 Hyd Roller) for the Merc 502 carb, has 222 Intake and 230 Exhaust @.050.

CDMA
10-30-2001, 07:09 PM
Not sure about the Gils yet but if I need dry I can handle that. I am eyeing an article right now of a stock 454 lower that was built with merlin rectangle port heads, luncati cam ( 290 duration), new intake and Holey 830 cfm carb. Made 500 hp at 5500 rpm.

I was possibly thinking that or maybe the 454 mag built to a 525 sc or with a procharger.

I guess my heart really is set on a 502 though...even if it won't happen.

Chris

BigGrizzly
10-30-2001, 11:58 PM
Even tho I'm a FORD fan go with the Chevy, parts are easier and cheaper to get. Also the motor is lighter. If you are going to SC your boat use forged pistons. You will run it hard regardless of what you think now. Frank has gotten away with it, he is carwfull and has years of experience. Never and I mean Never use Hypereutectic pistons on a blower motor. I wouldn't use them on any thing that gets that hot. Forest has good luck with them. I seen too many trasted motors because of them. You have E-mailed me in the past and I gave you the scoop On my stuff. The other option is Merlin heads a decent cam my favorites are Babe Erson and Isky 825 CFM (thats what I use)is enough carb but the 330 heads have to go. The motor is fine but Mike's price is low. AS for the wrong cam It will work Ok not a problem. Besides the cam is the cheapest part. Use a Roller cam thoes motors have a cam oiling problem at substained low speeds, thats yhy the mercs have them.

Randy