Bad Memorial day

[jab052783]

Here are some pics from about 45 minuets after my boat broke down and some from this afternoon after I pulled the heads off. The motor is a mercury racing 500 bulldog and I was wondering where the best place to get a new block would be I am also having some trouble finding out if the block is a 502 or a 454 talldeck any help would be great

[notda1]

I thought the bulldog 500 hp was 540ci

[jeff32]

that's right... HP 500 = 502 c.i. at 470 hp

Bulldog are 540 c.i rated also 470 hp or 500 hp I can't recall

[jab052783]

I dont know if you can tell from this pic if not let me know and I will get some more tommarrow also ran the number stamped on the block and it says it is a 454t block

[Velocity Vector]

You can quickly identify it at the upper waterpump bolts. On a shorty, the distance from the upper waterpump bolt to the deck of the cylinders will by ~0.200", and the tall deck is ~0.600", The difference is 0.400"

The tall motors have longer rods, which produce more torque - not noted for revs. Pushrods are also longer.

I don't think the 454 was ever offered in a tall deck - the 366 and the 427 were offered both ways, but I think the 454 and all later Mark IV blocks are all short deck, but not sure.

[ls1nova]

I have a friend with 2 502 bowtie tall deck blocks if that helps you out. If you need them shoot me a pm.

Frank

[jeff1000man]

I have some stuff coming off the dyno next week that you might be interested in that would be turn key, and priced right. I am up in Conroe. Engines are down at Owens right now. PM me if you are interested. I can tell from the pics that your rigging would work fine on them.

[BajaIceBreaker]

Dude, talk to a machine shop. They may be able to sleeve that block.... save you about $2500.

[Pat McPherson]

Sorry about your engine.
I would not suggest spending the $$ for another tall deck 454 block. You can likely use your stroker crank in a short deck 454 or 502 block with the right combo of rods and pistons.
If not, I'd suggest buying an assembled 502 shortblock and use your heads.
You will need a new intake with a short deck block but that can be had for under $200.

[DKerns]

I feel your pain!! I trashed a motor last month!!

Like mentioned above, if the rest of the block checks out ok, you can have it sleeved. If it is done right, it will last!!!!

Good luck!!