Short block questions
 

I have a 468 that needs to be refreshed and I see that World Products has 540 shortblocks at a good price. Is this a decent marine base, or would I have problems? Can the issues be easily corrected? My other thought is to go with a stroker crank and build a 496. Looks like it would cost 2,000 to 2,500 for the stroker crank rods and pistons, then there is the cost of machining my block and assembly. Seems like I am getting closer to the cost of the merlin short block and I don't have as many cubes. Thoughts?

serious debate
 

should be just fine.

You've got guys that will tell you you have to have a "specialized marine build" or your engine will go up in smoke in 5 hours and they will tell you you'll need "proper clearances" and marine tolerances.

For the most part a lifetime of building boat engines tells me this is just a load of BS.

In my experience other than camming for torque vs high rpm HP, making sure oil drainback is healthy, and being carefull about the crank cast vs forged a good auto setup makes a good marine setup.

Youll hear tons of guys wailing about horror stories as soon as anyone makes a stand, but anyone thats built/bought big name auto engine will tell you they make real proven power and are anvil like in reliability standard auto guys like -

Reher Morrison (you can find an couple of excellent parts combos on this website) Scoggin Dickey, World Products, Lingenfelter, Steve Schmidt, These guys follows a proper machining procedure using good high quality components and using proven machinery = good engines.

World products makes a great base to start with as long as you put a good recip assembly in it.

Bolt on a proven top end combination (AFR/Brodix/Dart/Demons/bary grants) should provide as much run time as any other quality setup.

Get a forged crank and an upgraded rod package if you fly the boat a lot as the constant load unload prop grabbing the water is harder than an auto app.

I know whole groups of guys that constantly rotate the head/intake upper end combo to a fresh pair of lower ends that are constantly rebuilt with the same standard parts sets.

Its no secret really. Experience+ money+ time=quality & HP.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 Ilmor 710
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406 SB

Thanks for the response. The World Producsts short block I am talking about is an assmembly with a forged crank and pistons. The price is $4,809 and has a $300 rebate if done by 12/31/08. Some general talk I have heard in the past is that Marine engines have different clearances than auto engines. I do not know about that for sure though. I think marine uses brass freeze plugs, but that should not be big deal to change and I am running in fresh water anyway. I am comparing going the short block route with upgrading my 468 to a 496. An Eagle rotating assembly is going to cost around $2,200 to 2,500 and then there is the machining and assembly costs. That is starting to get close to the cost of the World Products 540.

the 4.25 stroker crank will go in m ost blocks and clear fine, mine did, but some oil pans won't clear...the milodon offshore pan works fine, I have new 489, 4.25 stroke short block, 4 bolt main, gen IV eagle crank and rods, KB forged pistions, 3000 if interested, 540-786-8111, Rob