longevity of HP500EFI
 

Ok guys, I need some input. As some of you have seen from previous posts I have started, I am looking to upgrade my power a little. I was kicking around the idea of increasing power in my 454 magnum. But, I have scraped that idea due to the horror stories I have heard of with getting the ECU re-mapped correctly. As I stated before, I am not looking to make big power, I would be happy with an HP500EFI.

So here is the part that I need input on. I found an HP500EFI that has about 90 hours on it. BUT, it was used in a F1 boat. The guy seems to have taken care of it, ie: oil change, plugs etc after every run. My problem is since I personally have had no experience with one of these motors, I question the beating that 90 hours of hard running has done to this motor. I know that they are built to run but how long can they take it without needing a tear down. I have heard that at 200 hours, you should change the valve springs and lifters. But what about the rest of it ? Any of you guys running this motor hard and if so any troubles?

Thanks for any info. And I wont be able to answer this post for a week, I am leaving tonight for Arizona and Las Vegas. I hope that by the time I get back, I have some good information.

If the 500EFI you are looking at is a fair price for a raced motor then I would go for it. I know a F1 racer that had a motor for sale so I might be able to give you some background on him. If it's him. Shoot me a PM or E-mail.

Eric

How about it guys, any one else have something to add???????

Checkmate, I know the guy who you are talking about, I just put one in my Donzi 26ZX and that is all I have to say is that you won't be disapointed!!!! I picked up 12 miles per hour from the stock 454 MPI. It will be the best 10K that you ever spent, let me know how you make out if you decide to do it!!!!!! The motor that I picked up had 30 hours on it and 17 of the hours were run under 1000 RPM's. Good luck!!!!

How about a 500hp complete takeout. Had 42 hours, rebuilt by CRE and sealed. Dyno and breakin only. Best offer.
JB

I also just replaced a 7.4 mpi for the HP 500 EFI. I bought the motor from LEE on the board. It has 40 hrs on it and it is awsome. The best $ I ever spent for the boat. I went from 61mph to 82 on GPS:eek: Go for the motor it is worth it. It should give you many hrs of trouble free service. They are built to last.

Short of checking the valve train at 250 hours, I don't see why you couldn't get 4-500 hours out of one.

Thanks guys , this is the information that I need and wanted to hear.

JohnB: Is that motor EFI or carb? Shoot me a private message if you want....

Donzi26ZX:

Thanks for the contact. It seems like a good deal. I just want to be sure it is right for me. By the way, it sounds like you got a great deal!!!! Too bad the timing wasn't right for me on that one.

Checkmate454mag,
After seeing Donzi26ZX's boat this weekend, I don't think you'll be disappointed. My father took it out (Donzi26ZX is married to my cousin) and said he hit 72 mph with four rather large guys on the boat.

Scott

if your nervous about the condition of the motor do a leak down test on it. this will tell you a percentage of leak down in a cylinder, whether the rings are shot or if it needs a valve job.

I don't think I would buy a motor without this being done

135 hours on mine as of sunday, only maintence so far is thermastat. I do baby it though mobl 1 syn, changed every 20 hours. While you are changing out motors, ADD A OIL DRAIN KIT, before you put it in the boat. Make life easier in long run.;)

I'm interested in an an upgrade also..
 

I currently have a 300 hp carbed 454 in my baja 232 and looking to upgrade to atleast 425 - 500 hp. If you guys dont mind, what are these HP500's going for ??. Anyone know a good deal one ??. I would need a carbed one ofcourse...

Checkmate,

It is my understanding that the carb 500hp's had the valve spring issues, not the efi's. I have carb 500 hp's with 560 hours and the only thing done was valve springs,lifters, and cams at 200 hours. I use my boat about 75 to 100 hours a year and run it pretty hard. They still seem to make good power and burn very little oil. (about a quart every 50 hours).

Dan

Thanks again for the information.

Chris32:

Contact JohnB above, he has a HP500 carb that was just freshened that he is looking to sell.

Chris,
HP 500 I have for sale has the Mercury new type valve springs. Let me know if you need more information or pictures.
JB

I'm really interested in a power upgrade,,,,
 

I was looking into a 1800runsnew 454HO 425hp, as a direct bolt in...

John, what does the motor come with as far as accessories, ?? Can I take anything needed off my old motor ?? what would I have to buy ?, and of course, how much are you looking to get for the motor.. Thanks Chris

Chris, check for private message.