How to make 550-600 Hp in a´540
 

I am thinking about buying a´merlin 540 short block and build a motor with 550+ Hp @ 5000 RPM. Is it possible for what I am doing?:rolleyes:

I understand that the merlin block is markIV right?

How many of these new component ( that I already have in my garage)can I use?

-990 GM rectangle mild ported heads 118cc MKIV
-Crane rollercam #139011 Z-cam (replacement of 139731)
-Retrofit hydraulic roller lifters
-Merlin Singleplane intake manifold (Or should I use dualplane for more torque?)
-Holley marine 800 4150 DP
-Lightning headers
-Thunderbolt IV HP 20 module

How much peak torque@rpm can I expect?
Or any other suggestion how to reach my goal?

550 - 600 from a 540 is almost fool proof. You should shoot higher. cam, carb, heads should all make that.

I don't know the specs of that cam, you can call RMBUILDER and have him spec one for you, you will probably make more power.

Are you shure the 990 heads are genIV. Do they have the round water ports?

Good luck, sounds like you have a good package to start with.

Heads are mark IV with the round water holes. They dont fit gen 5 block
The camshaft grind # ZHR-288-2S-12 IG is the new teknology from cranecams. 226*234* .587 .610 and this cam replace the old famus 139731 cam that is NLA

It is a´very good cam in a´454- 502 Cid but I dont know how it will work in a 540,maby to small ?

I live in Denmark and its very hard to find a place to dyno test the engine so if someone has a´proven combination with WOT about 5000 RPM I would be glad.

that power level won't be a problem, I would run a performer rpm air gap vs a single plane in that set up, I also would call some cam manufactures and ask about cam selection...Rob

Go with the crane "741" roller cam if you can. Had one in a 540, merlin heads, 1050 carb, dart single plane, made 590HP and 620FT lbs. Idled nice. Although i should have went with a dual plane i think.

Dual plane would have killed your top end.

240*, 248* .620 lift - grind it on a 112 center hydralic roller.

You will like it and it will idle and park great. Sounds real mean at the docks. Are you running a header?

Is it a big deal at 5000rpm? seems like 5k would be the point at which the single plane takes over.

The displacement factors in this equation.

5000 takes over on a small engine like a 454 or 502, but on a 540 it would kick in at around 4000 give or take. It also would depend on the cam. If you had a really small cam, then the single plane might never kick in. I don't see why you would put a cam that small in an engine that big though.

Before some jerk jums on here and starts getting out his abacus, I am sure if you looked hard enough, you could find a dual plane that might work, but for the most part, what I am saying is right.

RPM air gap is definitely the way to go. Better low end, and will make more power and torque everywhere other then maybe the last couple hundred rpm. If you plan on running 4500 to 5500 all the time then a single plane might be what you're after. IMHO.. :D