509's VS 540's
07-22-2012, 01:13 PM
#11
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If you select your custom cam/heads/intake appropriately, a 509 will get the job done with great aplomb, and the budget can be kept reasonable.
The drives must also be considered. A Bravo will put up with quite a bit more torque than it was originally designed for, but only if the operator exercises strict restraint by bringing the power on smoothly -- not many people can do this.
In the end, less can easily be more when it comes to re-powering.
In this economy, I'd say spend no more than required to spruce up the engines, and save the rest for fuel.
07-22-2012, 01:33 PM
#12
Platinum Member
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You're apprehension of the domino effect is well-founded.
If you select your custom cam/heads/intake appropriately, a 509 will get the job done with great aplomb, and the budget can be kept reasonable.
The drives must also be considered. A Bravo will put up with quite a bit more torque than it was originally designed for, but only if the operator exercises strict restraint by bringing the power on smoothly -- not many people can do this.
In the end, less can easily be more when it comes to re-powering.
In this economy, I'd say spend no more than required to spruce up the engines, and save the rest for fuel.
If you select your custom cam/heads/intake appropriately, a 509 will get the job done with great aplomb, and the budget can be kept reasonable.
The drives must also be considered. A Bravo will put up with quite a bit more torque than it was originally designed for, but only if the operator exercises strict restraint by bringing the power on smoothly -- not many people can do this.
In the end, less can easily be more when it comes to re-powering.
In this economy, I'd say spend no more than required to spruce up the engines, and save the rest for fuel.
07-22-2012, 09:08 PM
#13
You might want to do a search, I think your 502 manifold can make more power that the 500 EFI set up. Agreed the 500 EFI setup looks better so what is more important, power or looks ??
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07-24-2012, 10:11 AM
#14
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Totally agree on the torque issue. I have tons of torque with my setup. That is why I stated to spec a specific cam based on your exact setup. An off the shelf cam will leave HP and torque on the table. Call Bob Madera and have him grind you a specific cam. Money well spent. Bob is at 585-654-8583.
He will have a lot of specifc questions so make sure to have all your specs ready from your motors and heads. He can also help you pick the right componenets based on your goals.
Tell him Smitty sent you !!!
He will have a lot of specifc questions so make sure to have all your specs ready from your motors and heads. He can also help you pick the right componenets based on your goals.
Tell him Smitty sent you !!!
07-24-2012, 10:55 AM
#15
Registered
Another way to look at it is how much more reliable would a 540 be given the same power...
Think HP500 Vs. the HP500 Bull Dog. The Bull Dog is bulletproof.
I'd go 540, keep the power within reason, and run the hell out of them for a loooooong time.
Think HP500 Vs. the HP500 Bull Dog. The Bull Dog is bulletproof.
I'd go 540, keep the power within reason, and run the hell out of them for a loooooong time.
07-24-2012, 09:35 PM
#16
Bob's cams are around the same price as a Crane or Comp cam. At least they were 5 yrs ago.
You need to call Bob. After that call you will be a big believer and very happy.
You need to call Bob. After that call you will be a big believer and very happy.
__________________
Want your ECU tuned right?? Call Mark at Precision www.pmefi.com
Want your ECU tuned right?? Call Mark at Precision www.pmefi.com
07-25-2012, 01:39 AM
#17
Charter Member # 55
Charter Member
They use the same cam/valve train and make the same HP. The Bulldog was a lot more money. As far as reliabiltiy, they are pretty equal. You don't read about Bulldog issues because there was probably 1 made for every 100 regular HP500's.
07-15-2014, 12:10 PM
#18
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I just did the same build 540 bottom in 500 either top end. Broke a rod at 5000 ram and destroyed the dart block. 620 ft to dropped the top end on a 496 bottom made basically same he and 580 to but higher rpm. And about half the cost
07-15-2014, 12:30 PM
#19
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540's
I guess I should of updated this thread, These things made 620 hp and 635 trq, the thing about the 500 EFI intake is that it ran out of flow exactly were Brad and Bob said it would, it doesn't matter how big the injectors are, when it quits flowing air it wont make any more power, Im very happy with how they turned out. Sorry you had trouble HD 500
Last edited by F-2 Speedy; 07-15-2014 at 12:34 PM.
