We get two full seasons from the 900 with a valve train in between and we have a VERY good builder. By the way thats pretty much only acing. Keep the rpm below 5800 and you will do better. I would not hesitate to by 850s but would not automaticaly pick merc engines. What about all the other builders. There is no doubt in my mind you can hand build an engine to make 800-900 relibale HP and do it easy. Dont forget that merc have choosen the build sheet that best suites pumping out engines for a price and ease of assembly. We make 900 with a megablower and merlin heads and a very careful build. Nothing real flash. Just good solid parts, long rods, tall block, cnc ported heads well finished and a computer chosen cam. Spend the money on the valve train and let a real pro take his time, not put his boy on it. Our builder has a very similar setup and his one makes 1070 with the only real addition of ali heads and a chiller. Just my 2c. Jas

Guys around here who want BIG power seem to use Chief Engines I have friends who have 900 or 950s from Chief and they are getting 200 to 300 hours on them before rebuilds

Tommy at Chief is a great engine guy and he stands behind his product


Merc is still the motor of choice for 700 on down but Ilmor seems to be coming on strong in mercurys playground

I had 410 hours on my 1998 Merc 600 before I rebuilt the top halves I think that is pretty reasonable for factory power
I loved those motors they performed great

The problem with the service life hours is that some folks fire them and they spend the vast majority of their time up over 4000+ where they are making some hp and harder on parts. Like the folks who primarily do poker runs. I would think if you can get 100+ hours on any 1000 hp motors before you do a rebuild in this application your doing pretty darn good.

I thought $54k included the drive w/ the Ilmor??