Originally Posted by Xtremeracing (Post 4044673)

Merc wants $1200 for a set of Value spring they lost their minds. They get $7500 for headers and you can buy the Gen X from CMI for almost half.

Originally Posted by VoodooRob (Post 4044700)

I wouldn't buy them either at that price. I also wouldn't buy a new engine part for my car from a dealer, Mercury isn't any different in comparison to auto OEM.

Originally Posted by Young Performance (Post 4044655)

There is no reason in the world that any custom builder worth a damn can't give you 600-700 hp that will go for 400+ hours without maintenance only.I know we certainly can. For that matter, we are getting well over 300 from 1100 hp. As for the rigging, if that builder is worth a damn he will know everything about the rigging and sign off on it. If I don't do the install, I want the owner to send me a detailed list and pics of everything in the bilge so that I know everything is sufficient. If I say it's OK and the engine were to break,then I need to put it between 2 pieces of bread and eat it. We would certainly prefer to do the install so that we know it's right, but anyone can do it if they follow some guidelines.
There shouldn't be anything special about a 600-700 hp engine so that anyone can work on it. In most cases, they are easier to work on than a Merc. The parts are available just about anywhere whereas Merc bastardizes everything. Look at the 525.....special heads, special headers,etc that must come from Merc. We use a Mefi ecm that can be scanned by a Merc scan tool and treated as if it were a 500 efi. It would be diagnosed the exact same way. Anyone that works on Merc engines can work on one of ours, no matter what power it makes. I'm not trying to toot my horn or get your business. I'm just trying to show that it can be done without a bunch of headaches and special stuff. You can build a better looking engine, with better parts, for less money, with the same warranty, and it will run as long or longer.
Eddie

Originally Posted by Xtremeracing (Post 4044673)

Merc wants $1200 for a set of Value spring they lost their minds. They get $7500 for headers and you can buy the Gen X from CMI for almost half.

Originally Posted by Young Performance (Post 4044655)

There is no reason in the world that any custom builder worth a damn can't give you 600-700 hp that will go for 400+ hours without maintenance only.I know we certainly can. For that matter, we are getting well over 300 from 1100 hp. As for the rigging, if that builder is worth a damn he will know everything about the rigging and sign off on it. If I don't do the install, I want the owner to send me a detailed list and pics of everything in the bilge so that I know everything is sufficient. If I say it's OK and the engine were to break,then I need to put it between 2 pieces of bread and eat it. We would certainly prefer to do the install so that we know it's right, but anyone can do it if they follow some guidelines.
There shouldn't be anything special about a 600-700 hp engine so that anyone can work on it. In most cases, they are easier to work on than a Merc. The parts are available just about anywhere whereas Merc bastardizes everything. Look at the 525.....special heads, special headers,etc that must come from Merc. We use a Mefi ecm that can be scanned by a Merc scan tool and treated as if it were a 500 efi. It would be diagnosed the exact same way. Anyone that works on Merc engines can work on one of ours, no matter what power it makes. I'm not trying to toot my horn or get your business. I'm just trying to show that it can be done without a bunch of headaches and special stuff. You can build a better looking engine, with better parts, for less money, with the same warranty, and it will run as long or longer.
Eddie

Originally Posted by TYPHOON (Post 4044824)

I don't think anyone does there own rebuilds buying Merc. parts. I agree if that is what you are doing then you are way over paying !!!! On the other hand I don't think there total rebuild cost is that bad knowing what they do and a piece of mind. If you happen to have a really good reputable motor builder in your area then by all means they can help you. Im just sick of everyone coming on these boards complaining about shooty work ethics, false time lines and getting ripped off. It sounds like Eddies shop in one I would have do my work if it was local for me. These type of A plus shops are hard to find. IMO if you are worried about paying that last couple thousand dollars for a good shop then you better get out of high performance boating.

Originally Posted by GT Bill (Post 4044845)

Here is a thought................

Order GM 572 - 620HP crate motors ($14K each) - bolt them in and gain 15mph.
Yes, you will have to adapt the headers and space the EFI intake.
I replaced a set of 454 Mercury Mags with GM Crate 502s (closed cooling system added) and ran the crap out them 400+ hours without a problem. Application was an ol' 10M Fountain.