Play: Build That Motor!

[yeller]

Everyone's favorite passtime. Spending someone elses money!!

So if you didn't already know, my 496HO is offically a boat anchor and I need to build a new motor.
I have until next spring to get a motor done, so I'm not in any immediate rush. For starters, I'm just looking for others ideas.

The only criteria I have is:
Motor must be EFI.
I will need a different ECM and harness.
I will be using my Procharger. I'd go N/A, but I doubt I'd get the HP I want with my budget.
$10k budget (installed, running. Parts and machine work. I'll turn my own wrenches). I can go somewhat more if necessary, but I'd love it if I could do it for less.

What's your suggestions? Can it be done for $10k?

[yeller]

My initial thoughts are to grab a junkyard 454 for rebuild. Replace the internals. I can clean the stock heads up to flow well enough with the S/C. Replace the valves/springs. Look for a deal on a EFI setup on OSO or the likes and I should be close to the 10k budget.
I'm thinking 454 because I'm guessing it would be the easiest motor to get parts for (and probably the cheapest).

Questions I have are what heads/block would I be looking for? And what to put inside?

[mrfixxall]

My initial thoughts are to grab a junkyard 454 for rebuild. Replace the internals. I can clean the stock heads up to flow well enough with the S/C. Replace the valves/springs. Look for a deal on a EFI setup on OSO or the likes and I should be close to the 10k budget.
I'm thinking 454 because I'm guessing it would be the easiest motor to get parts for (and probably the cheapest).
Questions I have are what heads/block would I be looking for? And what to put inside?

your cylinder heads wont work on a 454 block..has to be a late model gen 7 block..

theirs a 600 sc on oso for 7500..bolt that in and go colse to 100 mph like mr x did..

[yeller]

Questions I have are what heads/block would I be looking for?

Motor must be EFI.

your cylinder heads wont work on a 454 block..has to be a late model gen 7 block..

theirs a 600 sc on oso for 7500..bolt that in and go colse to 100 mph like mr x did..

Com'n Fixx, pay attention. I don't plan on using anything from my 496, except maybe exhaust (if they fit). I was talking about cleaning up the stock 454 heads. 600sc is carb'd. I only want EFI.


Buying someone's already built motor is high on my list. Probably the cheapest, easiest way to go, so don't hesitate to post links of any you find. I'm just curious what other's feel could be built with about $10k

[mrfixxall]

Com'n Fixx, pay attention. I don't plan on using anything from my 496, except maybe exhaust (if they fit). I was talking about cleaning up the stock 454 heads. 600sc is carb'd. I only want EFI.
Buying someone's already built motor is high on my list. Probably the cheapest, easiest way to go, so don't hesitate to post links of any you find. I'm just curious what other's feel could be built with about $10k

something else to think about,,you may have to change the bracket for the procharger to go from a 496 to a 502 or a 454..

a friend may want to sell his 502 eki fresh water engine out of his zx..

[gcarter]

Just a reminder, Jim Collins' 454 (95?) w/a Procharger does 92.
It's pretty much stock and is really pretty mild.
I don't know what heads Merc used on that years Magnum, but whatever, ya can't argue w/success.

[hdsadey]

I'd find a 7.4 liter vortec. Junkyard motor for 500-1000. Excellent flowing heads with lots of potential. Already a roller block with roller lifters just change the cam. Under 10k should be no problem as long as you don't go too radical.

[Tom A.]

Potter Performance Engines.

Call Ron, he will be happy to build a set up for you.

http://www.potterperformance.com/SOMERVILLE.html

[silverghost]

Yeller~
I would not buy just anyone's old take-out boat engine build unless you know that person; and can confirm that this was a proper marine performance engine build with no damage or issues.
I have heard of far too many folks being burned on old take-out used improperly "built" performance marine engines.

How about a nice Blue Merc motor ?

[gcarter]

How about a nice Blue Merc motor ?

Brad, maybe you missed the part about the $10K price tag.....

[silverghost]

Brad, maybe you missed the part about the $10K price tag.....

George~
You can often find good used take-out Blue Mercs in his price range .
If you keep your eyes open.
It is not bery common~
But some do pop-up from time to time.
He has 7-8 months to find just the right motor,

Not new Blue Motors at that price however.

[Carl C]

Your exhaust will not fit and you will probably have to relocate the exhaust tips. Of course that involves filling the old holes and painting the transom. Keep money budgeted for that.

[roadtrip se]

You can make great NA power without the procharger. Think displacement. EFI is going to drive the budget up.

Catch 22's mild 454 may have started life as a stocker, but it isn't now, and hasn't been for awhile.

Potter Power is awesome POWER, but your $10K budget will be blown to smithereens. See pic.
This thing is beyond awesome. $28K asking is a steal. 800HP with 600 cubes. Total sweetness.
Accessories can be painted yellow.

Brian just did a 496HO to 540 conversion, and used the 496 CMIs with new tails.

[Conquistador_del_mar]

A couple weeks ago, I sold a freshly built 632 stroker making 800HP for $8000. You would have needed an exhaust system like the CMIs that I am selling and the peripherals. I mention this since you could sell your Procharger and 496HO parts which would probably keep you well under $10K even if you had to pay a little more for a 540 or 632. This would get you 630-800HP. 540s are sweet boat engines -
Another route would be buying the 525 upper end parts and building up your own engine. Derebery Marine (next to my business) had 3 - 525 complete systems including the wiring harnesses and computers less the engines for only $1500 each as of a couple months ago. I could check to see if he still has any if you want. Bill

[roadtrip se]

A couple weeks ago, I sold a freshly built 632 stroker making 800HP for $8000. You would have needed an exhaust system like the CMIs that I am selling and the peripherals. I mention this since you could sell your Procharger and 496HO parts which would probably keep you well under $10K even if you had to pay a little more for a 540 or 632. This would get you 630-800HP. 540s are sweet boat engines -
Another route would be buying the 525 upper end parts and building up your own engine. Derebery Marine (next to my business) had 3 - 525 complete systems including the wiring harnesses and computers less the engines for only $1500 each as of a couple months ago. I could check to see if he still has any if you want. Bill

A big part of my Potter package this year started with the 525 intake. The 500 intake just did not breathe. The 525 does. Plus one for picking up a take-off.
We just used the hardware, not the electronics, and stuck with the 500 stuff.