Looking for opinions Merc 525/HP-500 or Custom 540/ 650 HP
 

I'm really looking for a lot of insight here or opinions. Would you choose a Merc HP-500 or 525 or a custom built 540 650 HP. The 540 has a Merlin or Dart block my choice and all the best quality parts ( I don;t have a build sheet but I can get one if that will help with your opinions) The 540 will be balanced and blueprinted, which from my understanding the Merc's are not, correct me If I am wrong. The 540 comes with a one year warranty. One of my concerns is the 540 is carberated as apposed to fuel injected. Or in your opinions does it matter. And the cost is about the same as a HP-500 and less than the Merc 525.

Thanks Kirk

Looking for a lot of help here, especially from you engine builders.

what engine builder or boat manufactuer

Probably the 540

I'd go with the 540's. We just pulled 525 blower motors out of a 1988 38 cig with 3a's. Top speed 68mph on GPS. Installed 540's, the boat sea trialed today in florida. It ran 78mph on GPS full of ass "n" gas 85 degree air temp. You are very limited with the 525's as far as upgrading

I'd go with the 540's also
 

That 68 was w/tailwinds, I would venture to guess.

Oh, 540's for sure!:cool:

540

The carb isn't so bad, especially if you think you might want to upgrade to a blower. The upgrade is a little easier and less expensive (just my opinion). I've had both...

The new 525 EFI's, How much work is there to mess with carberated engines? Going in a 31' boat with no pads steps or transom notch, will have 12'' extention boxes. I don't know what drives to use, still researching. Twin 650's in a 31' boat around 6500 lbs, any suggestions? Imco Extreme, Bravo XP's, maybe find a pair of #III's.

Thanks Kirk

Go with the 540's

540's
 

:)