Pat McPherson

Why is Merc not using this engine?
Big block power, small block size and weight...
http://www.gm.com/explore/technology...LY6_Marine.pdf

1BIGJIM

iTrader: (1)

Interesting article.

The big questions is how much $$$$

Pat McPherson

Well the Crusader 370HP 6.0L is like $10,600...

http://www.1800runsnew.com/NLM/crusa...gines-NLM.html

handfulz28

Pat, I've been asking this question for over a year...since I found OSO. My only guess is a resistance/inability to invest in new tooling for things like exhaust (different flange/port) and closed-cooling (warranty issues...salt+aluminum).
Crusader, Indmar, Marine Power...they all offer a version of this motor.
Here's a brainfart...perhaps Merc will surprise the boating community and offer this engine, with full O2 sensor and catalytic converter technology to comply with the eco-nazis...
I'd love to see a package with displacement on demand for idle zones and the new variable valve/cam timing system.

Chris Sunkin

Off the top of my head...

1. Bigger equals stronger. I have commercial trucks. My Cats put out equivalent horsepower to my Ford 6.0's and Duramaxes. They weigh more that twice but they last 3 or 4 times as long. No substitute for brute force.

2. The current platform is doing quite well- why change? The weight gain relative to the overall boat weight is fairly insignificant. It could easily be equalled by the big-block with alloy blocks, without changing any tooling.

3. More parts = more to go wrong. Technology is wonderful until it doesn't work. All that variable valve timing stuff does wonderful things but it's far from foolproof.

4. That's one fugly motor.

Pat McPherson

Well this version is not so fugly...
http://www.pcmengines.com/NewFiles/Z...ec%20Sheet.PDF

I'm not so much suggesting to replace the big block but to replace that 320HP/6.2L. The Merc 6.2L does not produce that much more than the 350MagMPI but does cost a lot more.

I think this would be a great engine for 27' to 32' twin engine performance boats.
Maybe Merc Racing should add it to their line?

Chris Sunkin

Yeah, it's not like the 496 is a beauty queen.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines...ves/mpi496.php

The manifold cover helps

handfulz28

Re-analyze based on it being a small-block replacement, not a big block. And that's part of the problem from a perception point of view. The peak numbers make it comparable to a big block, but the area under the curve doesn't support that comparison. But the numbers also put a traditional small block to shame. It ends up not fitting in Merc's lineup.

The VVT is my wish; the marine 6.0 doesn't have any of that stuff.

I'm curious how large a percentage of GM's "old" small block business comes from Merc and Volvo. Is there that large a demand on the industrial side, outside of marine, that will continue to support those castings? How much longer before GM sells that business line? Perhaps Brunswick will enter the foundry business. They might get that cheaper than the development R&D for new engines.

excalibur32

Brunswick is in the foundry business, they are one of the largest "lost foam" casters around.

excalibur32

Mercury built the Corvette ZR-1 for Chevrolet, that would be a nice boat engine at 427 cu in.