HP500's - need opinions please
 

Looking at a 2000 model boat with HP500's carbureted. I am a bit hesitant because of the motors, feeling that this is old technology. For the engine savy (I am certainly not) can anyone speak to the pros and cons of each and help alleviate any concerns I may have?

Please excuse my 'borrowing' of engine pics for reference.

Re: Hp500
 

Mine run great. I have replaced the valve springs, head gaskets and did a valve job on them. Yours will need the same as they have at least six seasons on them.
I think carb motors are easier to upgrade and as reliable as EFIs. The "old" technology is easier for the average guy to learn, maintain and fix when needed. Its not rocket science. You can be taught to change jets, but not map a fuel curve.

Good luck either way you go.
Shawn

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

I hated my carb moters, not 500s though. Hard to start, frequently stalled when trying to dock. Fun! NOT!

Ripped everything out and went with fuel injected motors. That was 4 years ago, my engines have never stalled since, and fire up on the first crank. Says it all.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

ive got carb hp500's, never stalled on me and run great.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

i did replace the valve springs and head gaskets

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

buy a 500 efi intake and elactornicds, make them efis
know where a couple are too. fairly cheap too

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

I have a '99 carb hp500. Runs great, never stalls and very dependable.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

Are you looking to upgrade to a twin? I see no problem with the 500 carbs. Quite a few have them on the James. If they have not been rebuilt, youu will need to do that right away. They do have valve spring issues. Not too costly if you catch it before it breaks.

Are you going on the RPBA Poker Run? If so I will see you on Friday afternoon.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

Shawn i know i owe you a phone call but give me a call today.I have a solution to the problem of carb motors.install my complete 525 efi systems and you'll be good to go.

Just think a week from now Linster we'll be waking up to a massive hangover. :D

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

I have had both carbs and efi, I wouldnt mess with the efi, the carbs run great. Make sure you change the valve springs if they have not been changed yet. The ones from Merc broke and caused lots of problems.

That being said the efi motors had cmi headers and the carbs had gil type exhaust. If you put the cmi headers on the carb motors you will make more power than the efi's. I have the dyno sheets to prove it.

Also hate the black smoke from the efi's if you hit the rev limiter.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

Seems like I am ok with the carbs, just need to check on when/if regarding the rebuild. What does something like that cost (changing valve springs & head gaskets)?

Linnie - yes, definitely looking to upgrade. Looking at 32's and have pretty much decided on the Active Thunder. I love the Nordic 35 (your boat) however, not sure I want to go to a 35'. I will be at the RPBA run - looking forward to meeting you as well. I will be at the captains meeting Friday night. Perhaps Rich can introduce us?

Rich - I will call you later this afternoon. I didn't think it would be long before you just scrapped the whole engine compartment and upgraded :). Only problem I have now, is getting the guy selling me the boat to sell it woithout power!

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

Send them to someone like innovation, I think its like 1,500 per motor for top end, and 3,500 for whole motor. Dont quote me on that its been a long time.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

Yes it must have been a long time ago. I was quoted more than double +++ 6 months ago for a rebuild from them.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

K.I.S.S.

Keep It Simple Stupid.

Nothing wrong with a carbed engine and a whole lot cheaper to fix when there is :D

CBR could have solved his stalling problems a whole lot cheaper than going to EFI. But that's what makes America great , freedom of choice :cool: .

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

I had HP500 carb motors and theyn were great motors. I would prefer Fuel Injection over carb.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

I had a top drag racer and top performance boat motor builder play with my carb engines for two years before I took out the shotgun and blew the carb motors to pieces. Well, not exactly, but sure was happy to ditch the carb motors for a total redo. Run 377 Scorpions now, fuel injected and happy, ZERO stalls in four years.

Used to have 4 stall outs in a weekend despite eons of work and many dollars of fiddling with carbs to make them run right. They still did not. Any humidity or temp change Fked up the carb motors. I will never own carb motors again.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

Shawn, have no quams. Just get the boat; and you won't be disappointed. You may have a few issues, but all engines do. Linnie and James know their shiznit about the 500s, both carb and EFI. The 500 Carb will need toe valve springs gone through as a minimum, but as you and I spoke, they may have been done already.

And yes, you could pick up a used set of 500EFI intake manifold/ECU takeoffs and a pair of accessory serpentine belt kit and have a same thing 500EFI as well.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

Geez, I wonder how we ever got by the last 100 years or so without EFI. :rolleyes:

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

HP500 are some of the best motors ever made by Mercury. Both the carbs and the EFIs. I've had (3) HP500s carbs and they are nearly indestrucible, yes you have to change out the valve springs ~200-250 hours, but other than that, they just go and go! :drink:
Dean

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

For some reason to me it always felt like the HP500 carb motors had a little more upper range torque/power than the 500 EFI's.

I got used to driving all the carb motors and the first 500 EFI that I test drove felt dead on top even though the boats ran the same speed. Throttle response felt a little delayed on the EFI as well.

Other than that, the EFI's are really nice.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

Only have to crank a little bit on the first start of the weekend, but after that they fire right up. I have had 500 in two seperate boats and have never had one stall yet (except when i ran out of fuel once)

Great motors in my opinion, GO FOR IT

Wild

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

Or cell phones...or computers :drink: :evilb:

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

?????????????

The 32' AT with a swim platform is only about a foot smaller than a 35' Nordic.

Re: HP500's - need opinions please
 

Griff - didn't realize the difference was only 1'. My current boat is a 28' Nordic Heat. I love the Nordic however, I am up for a change so there are other reasons - just didn't disclose them. Call the extra 3' an excuse :)