WMF - please don't post on my thread.

Thinking about droping in a 6.0 or 496HO crusader engine. I did say I just wanted something reliable. You small block guys oughta like that 6.0. Its pretty popular with the ski boats. Think they would kick me out of the tribe for that? My local marina is a crusader dealer. What do you guys think?

I'm going to hold on to the 454's, we have a high performance engine building school nearby and I'm hoping to make a learning experience out of the 454's, maybe make a set of B engines down the road. Something I won't mind blowing up.

HP: 375 @ 5000rpm
Displacement Liter/CID: 6.0/366 c.i.d.
Cylinders: V-8
Fuel System: Multiport EFI
Full Throttle RPM Range: 5200rpm
Rotation: LH
Length: 43.7”
Width: 27.8”
Height: 24.4”
Total Weight: 990 lbs

HP: 425 @ 5000rpm
Displacement Liter/CID: 8.1L/496 c.i.d.
Cylinders: V-8
Bore & Stroke: 4.25” x 4.37”
Compression Ratio: 9.1:1
Fuel System: Multiport Fuel Injection
Full Throttle RPM Range: 5000rpm
Main Bearings: 4-bolt cast iron
Rotation: LH
Exhaust Outlet: 4” OD
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Length: 43.5”
Width: 32.8”
Overall Height: 31.4”
Total Weight w/1:1 : 1200 lbs

I don't see why everyone is so crazy about those 500EFI's, those engines cost as much as a new engine just to rebuild. They've already been rebuilt once. Probobly give you around 150hrs..........and then you'll be back in the same "boat." Fix them up again and you'll be into them for what you would of paid for two brand new engines.......with a warranty. If you want to sell the boat it will still have two heavily used engines.

On the old 454 365hp was the horsepower rated at the prop back then?

If you are willing to put Crusaders in it, and reliability is the most important thing, you may want to look around for a couple of Gray Marine Fireball V-8s.

Good luck.

I haven't found anything to date that explains why crusader engines are not used in performance boats. I think its because the crusaders don't have a drive package. Its cheaper to put the mercury drive/engine combo in a boat than it is to buy a crusader engine and buy seperate merc drives. Because mercury rakes people over the coals when they buy separate pieces, people don't do it.

Ski boats, yachts, fishing boats, all prefer crusader over merc. The load is much less in a performance boat than a 20,000lb cruiser. These new 6.0's have performance aluminum heads and intake. Mastercraft uses crusader engines. They are running these ski boats at WOT for extended periods of time for barefoot skiiers. They are much easier to work on and can last up to twice as long. Power isn't really an issue since they both use the same GM engines with the same horsepower.

I'm just thinking outside the box. This company just has a lot more common sense things that I value over merc. Take the blue paint - its easier to spot leaks on blue paint than it is black. The engine is significantly less cluttered than a merc. The impeller can be changed out in 10 minutes by just about anybody. The cooling system is true closed cooling. The antifreeze cools the exhaust manifolds. The raw water used in the exhaust does not enter until after the manifolds. They have a standard 2 year warranty. Many old crusader engines from the 70's are still running. These engines have a reputation for running up to 2000 hours. I knew this idea would be laughed at by many, but could you imagine if it were successful? I'm all ears for comments, but don't dog my ideas unless you tell me why.

Marine Power is another option I'm looking at. I can get a 496HO with a 6 year warranty and save close to $10,000 over a pair of merc engines. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxb_L5cA1rw. Again - all on the same GM engine. They also offer a 6.0 with 375hp http://www.michiganmotorz.com/Marine...+sterndrive%29 Even comes with a diagnostic tool.

Keep in mind this is an open forum, if you dont want any opinions dont start a thread. Now that i have out of the way, choose whatever power that makes you happy! Its your boat and your money so do it up however you like!

Jt

Outside of the box is great. Really makes you think.
Straight 8s would be tempting because of the ease of changing spark plugs and oil filters. Some of the Gray Marine engines from 1940s and 50s are still running, too.
But a diesel would run on biofuels. You could call the boat "fast food," "grease lightning" or "fries and a shake." You'd have the last laugh if gas embargos were ever put in place.

If fast impeller changes are desired, OMC Cobra impellers can be changed in 2 minutes without taking the drive off, while swimming. Just bolt the OMC hub on your engine of choice and you are good to go.

Volvo 270 drives are good, shift easy, and if they pop off the boat doesn't sink, which could be good. Plus, you don't have to worry about drive trim. Pick one of two notches and run.
Also eliminates the need for drive trim indicators and trim pumps.

There's a little more to it than that. Both Fund Razor and WMF can't stand me, which is why I ask WMF to not post. I welcome Fund Razor to this thread as long as he stays on the topic of engines and boats and not tools I'm not pissed and I do want all the opinions I can get. Thanks for yours.

Didn't Don Aronow used to put crusader engines in his magnums. Some of them are still running with original power. Could you imagine never having to repower or rebuild an engine after 30 years of use.

Andy, you may want to keep an eye out for volvo 496s, that have some demo hrs on them.
Pat McPherson on this site used it in his 24SB, and was very happy with it. I remember seeing them for sale for around 7-8k ea.

i feel a group hug coming our way?!?!?

I think the 500efi's are good deal for 15k -- compared to 40k for new power. But if you want warranty ect then go for new