Deck Height for 540
 

I am thinking about repowering a Checkmate 259 with a NA 540. Any thoughts on deck height? Is 9.8 or 10.2 a better route to make 575HP or does it matter? Any preferences on a brand of block: Merlin, Dart, maybe something else? Any insight would be appreciated.
Rob

It depends on several things: Do you have parts to re-use like intakes and exhausts? I assume the existing exhausts would not fit due to tail pipe placement being moved up and out a little.... but someone else with that experience would need to verify that, as I don't know for sure.

As for power, the deck height is not going to matter. I just finished my n/a 540's with stock GM 9.8 Gen VI blocks and mine made 720+hp on pump gas.

Future mods will dictate deck height. If you want to (someday in the future) go bigger than 4.250 stroke, then yes a tall deck would be a better choice. Some will argue that the rod angle on a 4.250 stroke in a 9.8 deck will cause premature wear, but I disagree. Most people I know build 540, 565, and even 582's out of short decks. Now the 572-582 is really too steep of a rod angle for continuous usage, as it puts alot of pressure on the side walls and wears alot faster.

As for brand..... I personally always use Dart. All of my engine builders use them as well. I heard some things about the World blocks, but cannot remember what it was.

If the goal is only 575hp, then a 9.8 GM block is just fine.

Thank you for the responses.

Block ??
 

I ALSO AGREE DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU HAVE TO USE IN PARTS.

A BOWTIE BLOCK IS HARD TO BEAT!

I WOULD CALL BILL AT ATECO ENGINE AND DYNO SHOP!
Tel: (847) 623-2737
I HAVE A 540 THEY BUILT AND ITS BEEN GOOD!

Godbless
Jump 26 Transportation Service

I agree, If you already have the major parts , I would use them. Have the block shot blasted to remove scale, first. Pistons can be also coated to reduce friction on the skirts and cylinder walls. I have pushed 775-800 HP out of a N/A 9.800 block with no problems.

I talked with Bill on Friday. He has always been easy to reach and ready to answer my questions. Tyler Crockett installed a 100HP upgrade on our 454MAG and I have been extremely happy with it overall. We have about a 100 hours on the motor since the upgrade. Tyler and Bill have quoted similar dollar amounts on a NA 540. I will probably go with Bill this time around because he is more local and given me several quotes over the years. The engine will be purchased complete. Interesting enough Tyler and Bill both quoted the 540 with short decks, I think because of the conservative HP requirements.
Rob

Thanks for the response. I think I am going to sell our current engine complete (454MAG MPI w/ Tyler Crockett 100HP upgrade) and buy a NA carb 540. Our current engine runs strong and has a lot of life left. I think someone will be very happy with this engine for a while without any issues. I hate to tear apart a motor setup right as it is.
Rob