725 Ilmor/Arneson vs 700NXT
 

Sorry all, if this is a stupid question and thread, or it has be answered or beaten to death elsewhere. If so, please refer me to that thread or article.

How much of a price difference is there between the Merc 700NXT package and the 725 Ilmor/Arneson 8-6 package in the new Chief 42 race boat? If I was spending the money I'd be really tempted by the increased speed and reliability. Is the biggest detraction to Arnesons the challenge with docking and the unfriendly props out past the swim platform?

If I was buying a new 35+ foot boat, maybe get one with a big swim platform and learn to dock a boat? What am I missing?

There was a great article a couple years ago in powerboat,mbut the motors are within a couple grand, the asd7 is more comparable to the nxt than the asd 8-6, the 700 nxt is about same price as 725 asd7, the asd 8-6 would be much more $.

Hello

Darr?

Sorry but I honestly do not know the package price (OEM) of either option. I believe, don't hold me to it, that the 700 NXT, not he 700/#6 package cost the OEM around 60K a side.

As for the detraction, those are nothing more than b.s. and that's exactly what Bobby Saccenti was saying as everyone was telling him the same wives' tale before he ran the boat. He was told the boat would not dock, the boat would not be able to get on plane, the boat would not track, the boat would not steer.

Bobby called me up and said he was told all this b.s. and he was getting nervous as all these "EXPERTS" were telling him "how it was going to be" and after he ran the boat himself he came to the conclusion that none of them knew what he **** they were talking about. To quote Bobby, "what the **** do all these know it all's know anyways. The boat in on plane in virtually it's own length, it tracks straight and it steer's like its on rails and the speed speaks for itself".

Swim platform, honestly the standard version of the ASD8-6 drive is the same length as a #6. This boat has the longer thrust tube option but it's not a mile longer. We do have the option of a propeller guard.

As for performance, the boat you referenced is over 10 mph faster than same boat with the Merc 700/NXT package so results do mean something.

The 725 Ilmor can also be paired with the Ilmor Indy drive. Nice drive and seems to run about the same speed as a Merc 700/NXT. Looks like the Arneson outperforms in all categories.

Ummmmm......yeah.

1. Screen name with Skater in it
2. Instant expertise in one post
3. Soon to say "banned"

The better choice I think would be the ADS #7 and the Mercury 700SCI.

Rik, this drive guard you speak of , thats something permanent or removable?
I have #4s on extension boxes and the swim platform would be one ugly long piece if it was long enough to extend beyond the cleavers. So its not just a Arneson problem. No ladder out back for me and if someone slips off the back .. oh man I don`t even wanna think about it. I gotta figure something out, my kids are 6 and 9.



EDIT: Nevermind found it on your site.. thats really nice wish I had that option

http://www.arneson-industries.com/pr...ard[1].jpg

I'm getting good at spotting him too!

I'm a big Ilmor fan, but I'd have to go with the Merc because it's upgradable via Whipple. I'd probably get bored of stock power after a year or two.

The ilmor can be supercharged and is a beast

the ilmor can not be supercharged with out a new bottom end or run such conservative set up that it would not be worth the cost

Oh really now :party-smiley-004:
Ilmor states differently, I'd be curious on more true info.

One of the Companies that puts Turbo's on Viper Engines is right here in Charlotte. They seem to have it figured out & build some incredibly fast / quick cars but I don't know that the same engine mods would survive at 5000 rpm for 20-30mins let alone on the wood for any real length of time.

http://www.undergroundracing.com/ sorry for the hijack, my intent was to clarify whats available & whats likely to survive from a reliability standpoint.

I'm very well aware of underground. One of their former 1200+ rwhp vipers belongs to a good friend. It's currently in pieces, He wanted more power and learned the limit of what the block would hold lol. They do great work but making that sort of power survive in a car vs a boat is very different.

Agreed

What about them using the Dodge V10 Truck Block? It's cast iron

I don't believe the question is whether it can be done or that the cast iron block isn't a good solution I just think ILMOR themselves isn't interested in going down this path. They are a very engineering based company that puts allot of R&D into anything they plan to release to the general public. They've built their reputation by offering reliable power & components w/ excellent customer service & support.

I don't know of anyone in the marine industry making aftermarket goodies for ILMOR V-10's nor do I know of anyone experimenting w/ them to make more power. Seems most are happy w/ what they've invested in knowing there aren't any options to customize.

Boost power has a nice turbo system for the illmor, last I knew in the 900-1,000 hp range

I stand corrected

Is there any of these set ups out there?
How have they performed?

Nice new Avatar pic Louie. Can't wait to see the boat in Havasu!!

Does anyone know of any boats running Boost Powers's modded V10s?

i saw the boat saturday,pictures do it no justice,the paint scheme is absolutely amazing.

yep,my ra darr alarm is at 100%,now he is a ilmore expert,maybe levi ordered one for the wooden boat:lolhit::lolhit:

:eekdrop::eekdrop::eekdrop: wow

Accurate post sir. Currently, our focus is the MV-8 line right now.

jim darr 5 4 3 2 1 once again the rat took the cheese and sent me a pm:lolhit::lolhit:

OK, so lets see if I have it right.

Should I be honoured that Jim Darr jumped on my thread and provided useful info or P O that he manages to get in here at will, if only for a short time?

I hope it was fun for those who ID'd him and got him out again.

Back on track.

The Arneson 7, Indy and NXT are similar priced.

Arneson will be the most reliable, do we know that Indy is more reliable then NXT?
Arneson is ~10mph faster in a 40 foot V bottom, the prop guard looks useful and docking issues can be overcome with exp.

Is it true that 725 Ilmor and Merc 700 are similar in reliability and price but the Merc can be customised for more power?
Or the Ilmor is more reliable stock and a few less dollars?

Maybe, one day I'll be buying used, is why I want to know. I know the Arneson boats will be hard to find, but I don't think I could be happy rebuilding Merc drives all the time.

Indy is much beefier than the NXT. IT uses a transmission not cone clutches. It's also rated for like 900hp the NXT is not

The arneson. NXT. INDY ALL use the same prop thus they all surface the props and they all handle the same at the dock.

Thought the indy was rated for 1100?

Well, we only sell it as a package with our stuff, topping out with the 725hp. That being said, Teague has been running a pair behind his 850s on one of his personal boats.

Ilmor vs merc 700 no comparison. Friend has the same boat ol with Ilmors I had same ol 700 mercs, big difference. Mercs pull away even stock, blower motors you can't beat torque. Look into rebuilds Ilmor gets big money, even buy parts from them very expensive. Merc parts are GM parts or any aftermarket parts. Other than great gas milage I don't see the benefit.

Whats Mercs recommended service interval for a 700 blower? No blower rebuilds for Ilmors, that in itself is a savings.

Does Merc even offer a factory rebuild program for their 700's (like they do their 1075's) & if so what is it b/c I've never heard of such. I looked on Merc Racings site & their Factory Refresh Program appears to start w/ the 850. Can't realistically compare a factory refresh to one that doesn't exist & say the factory rebuild is big $$$.

Don't forget the weight savings advantage the ILMOR has, x2 for twins.

At the sure and certain risk of appearing more ignorant that I am willing to admit, I think I know where a pair (each) of complete Merc 6 dry, Ilmor Indy, and Ilmor 725 engines are that the owner is not going to use.

Is there a rational demand for complete stuff, as opposed to part-outs?

They are all running take-offs and are un-robbed, as far as I know.

If somebody is cash-in-hand interested in any/all of the pairs, pm me and I'll see if I can get details, pics, location and asking price.

Bob