Boomer 880

Looking to build a 40-46 twin engine V-hull with naturally aspirated motors. Most of the boating would be in fresh water. I am considering two engine builders (both with strong marine history) and need help understanding which engine is better. My goal is an engine that is turn key and idles well around the dock.

Both engines use JE pistons, Holley 1050 carb., Manley 2.3 severe duty exhaust intake valves, Manley 1.9 inconel exhaust valves, Melling HO oil pump, Crane hydraulic roller valves.

Engine #1:
604 CI
Dart Big M tall deck block
10.5:1 compression
Dart aluminum heads
JE pistons
Crane cam double valve springs
Canton custom 10 quart pan
Edelbrock super victor intake
MSD ignition
Estimated at 823 HP @5900 RPM with 91 Octane
Offers a 1 year warranty

Engine #2:
604 CI
World Merlin Block
9.0:1 Compression
Dart iron eagle heads
Isky valve springs
Morso 12 quart pan
Dart intake manifold
Mercury distributor
Estimated at 725 HP @ 5300 on 89 octane
Warranty TBD

Assume the cost for the engine is the same.

Which would you buy and why?

Thanks.

Boomer 880

No one? Any comments?

mmwalters

Boomer that 9-1 compression sounds like a good idea but it is hard to pass up a one year warrenty. I say it is a toss up. Don't forget the motor with the biggest cam most likely will require more maintainence.

LapseofReason

I was waiting to see what other's were going to say but maybe they were just doing the same thing. If I had to buy one of those I would go with #1, not because of HP but the heads and ignition. But I wouldn't buy either if it were me. I like a supercharged motor if I am going higher than 600hp. A 10.1 comp. motor at 800 hp is just to high strung. You can detune a blower motor when just messing around and then hop it up for poker runs.Plus you should tell us what kind of boat, what drives you want to use and most of all how fast you want to go.

Boomer 880

The motors would be linked to one of three drive options (still deciding):

Imco 4X4 (transmission and extension box)
B-Max
#6 drives if cost is right

I would like to run in the mid to upper 80's with the twin set-up.

Hull MAY be a Nor-Tech or Black Thunder, but am considering others as well.

Tinkerer

I too thought the #1 motor had better heads and ign.
Have them cut the compresion down to 9.5/1 and cut the cam a little and get turn key with 750 HP
Much better motor and has a warranty

BenPerfected

I have raced 6 pr. of similar motors to you specs. Both your engine builders are are more than optimistic about the results with this combination with marine exhaust at less than 6000 rpm.

Boomer 880

Are iron heads better than aluminum (or vice versa), and is a higher compression or lower compression better?

Tinkerer

Aluminum heads are better if your not in salt water. Aluminum heads are repairable where cast iron aren't. If you run 9.5 to 1 compression you can run pump gas premium from just about any station. If you run 10.5 to 1 you better run the best premium you can find. And 750 HP from a 604 cubic inch motor is VERY safe turn key. More than 750 HP and you will be snaping drives if they are stock BRAVO.

LapseofReason

If you only want to run mid 80's, are you thinking 38 nortech or 43,either one of those will go that with 675KE motors they are great turn key and have one year warr. and you can run XR or bmax drives. A Black Thunder 43 or 46 is going to need trip 750's or staggered 1000's to see 85, and 6 drive's