Re: hp3
 

HP2 --> HP3: Cam change, programming, exhaust! That's it!

425HP --> 525HP:D :D

Here's another interesting tidbit...The Vortec HP3's racing the circuit have the same cast crank that the HP1 does.(So will all the 496's come next year).........

From what I've read and heard the Merc 525 is a better engine but should also cost more than the GM HP3. I believe the Merc motor has better internal components, pistons & rods.

BTW, upgrading to the Merc 525EFI from the HP500, wholesale cost difference is $4,000/engine.

Merc 525EFI Picture

Merc 525EFI Info

At 525 hp and 5200 rpm do you need the 'better' internals of the merc or if the cast holds up why overbuild.
Numbers control costs. Gm sell more 496 truck engines in one day than Merc sells in one year. They have how many million miles of testing and usage to see if the cast crank holds.
Reggie tried to do his own engines several years ago and merc squeezed him and the project cost him over a million.

Cobra,

That's kind of what I was thinking, too.

Perhaps, some GM Vortec racers can chime in...How many failures have there been with the HP3's and what kind...

From what I've heard so far, there have been no bottom end problems whatsoever. Just minor problems like hoes leaking and overheating and chit like that.

Steve, you out there? :cool:

In SVL one and two it is the GM engine the one to have.
The guys that were running mercs switched to GM.
I wonder what changes merit a $4000 price change?
Where is the popcorn?
pat W

Shifter,
What do you mean with the 4G comment?

From what I understand, GM Vortec had a VERY Lucrative deal this year when using their HP3's.

If ya keep your "hoe" properly lubed and in shape, she won't leak or overheat on ya! :D :cool: :D

LOL! Lavey! :D
You're absolutely correct on that one! :D

Um no the marine mkt is like 40% of there big blocks which is why they finally decided to pay attention to it. And all those miles of truck testing mean nada, unless the trucks were loaded with a yard of gravel in the bed and tested with the pedal to the medal going up a 12% grade for an hour or two, being normal everday usage

Baha Daze,
It was what Ricks said earlier about the 500 to the 525 merc cost.
I think what GM did this year was tremendous, If racers like and win with it ,it sells. It beats any proving ground.
pat W