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Quote:

Originally Posted by PatriYacht (Post 3531487)

A Sonny's engine in marine tune with a cam, lifters and valvesprings that can live for 150 hours and a 10 to 1 compression would make about 1.3 hp per cubic inch. That's 1040 hp for a 800 cu. in. For a whole lot less you can build a 540 and put a supercharger on it. His larger engines and his 5.3 hemi heads probably can't be used in an endurance or marine application. Does the 5.3 hemi head even have water cooling or are they solid billet? The ports and valves are designed for a 2000 rpm idle and a 9000 rpm redline. How do you make them work at 1000-6000? Can the lifters and rocker arms live for hours of high rpm running when they were designed for running for 6 seconds at a time? I wouldn't want to be the crash test dummy for this project.

To some extent I think we have strayed away from the original post, It was initally a question of "why" people dont run a Sonny Motor, not, which is cheaper Sonny or Merc.

The blower motors I have been around weren't exactly "low maintainance" compared to the big inch naturally aspirated ones, might be different in a marine environment? Why couldn't the 5.3 heads be used in endurance racing? All thats different is port size/configuration and bore spacing. I dont see how bore spacing limits endurance? As for cooling, YES the Hemi head does have water jackets, thats why IHRA Pro Stock and Nitrous Pro Mods have radiators. The blocks are usually solid, but, can be ordered with water jackets.

Jesel Rockers, Manton pushrods, and titanium valves will "live" for a lot longer than 6 seconds, they actually might last LONGER than conventional valvetrains in some applications. the maintainance is much easier too, since you can usually change valve springs without relashing the rocker arm.

The one thing that you cant always put a price tag on is being "unique". I have been to quite a few poker runs and at some of the BIG ones just about "every other" boat you see has Merc 1075's/1200's [1350's aren't AS common] you also see a TON of blower motors, so, having a Big Inch Sonny motor with stand alone EFI might be kinda cool

Just my thoughts [-:

Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezstriper (Post 3530138)

!st, love the comment about NOTHING special about a marine engine...really ??? so that means I could take my take my "small" Sonny's 565 that ran in my Top sportsman car and be fine...who would have known !!!! damn learn something new everyday !!!...now back to the question, Sonny would have no problem setting one of his monsters up for marine use on 89 octane...I just think with all the torque he's making tuff finding a drive to hold up without spending $$$$$$$ but I guess after spending what he gets for his engines...and I know 1st hand(not so say he does not knows whats up by no means as he build some of the baddest drag race engines on the planet) that may not be a deal to some....

Do you still run T/S? We may have met? I wrenched for Billes in Pro Mod, I beleive the race in Va, was at Dinwiddie? We probably raced at a few of the same tracks if you ran any of the national events? I know the 1/8 mile Stuff is HUGE down your way, some FAST 10" tire stuff too! Good Times!

Michael

No, gave it up almost 2 years ago..we ran a local T/S deal around here(southern outlaw Top sportsman) had a great time..my son drove...sold the car, trailer and my R/M big chief engine, still trying to sell the sonny's...but looking at doing a drag radial car with turbo LS power....now if we can stay busy enough to support it ???? Rob

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezstriper (Post 3531997)

I hear ya! I was on "Racing Junk" a few days ago and couldn't believe how much the price of stuff has dropped, motors that where 50K a few years back are going for 1/2 that now, guys must be losing a pile of dough, its a shame. Might be better to just "mothball" the Sonny motor until things pick up or pick up a cheap roller and go bracket racing???

I saw some pretty quick radial tire cars in Orlando a few years back, lots of guys running turbo stuff now, makes a ton of power, the "Lynch Mob" turbo Mustang is crazy quick, bet its a scary ride!

Good talking to you, good luck with the Turbo deal, hope works stays busy enough for you to get out racing again!

Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griff (Post 3529951)

Please tell us about the high HP marine engines you have built and how many hours they lasted.

Although I do not specialize in marine engines, I do assure you that I am an accomplished engine builder. This is how I have made my living for the past 18 years. There are several great marine performance builders on this site. These guys do a great job and could probably do a great job on any type engine. Most good builder can build any type of engine well.
Now, in no way do I imply that all engines are interchangeable. That is foolish. I am simply stating that with proper parts selection, clearances and tune up engine building not a "black art".
:kiss:

Sonny Leonard engines.

Hi Fellas... If you don't have or have never had a SONNY'S engine. Shut up.
Did your brother's, wife's cousin's friend have experience with a SONNY LEONARD engine?
Oh, please let us know!
STFU. I know Sonny's monster blocks, just keep your trap shut. Don't assume /RPM, TIME, FUEL, etc.. Shut up and have your mom/wife make you another Monster energy drink to wash down your Cheetos and bring it to your bedroom.

Just don't type/write/respond or comment on what you have not one molecule of knowledge about.
Get a life and stop watching porn.
I REALLY HAVE A SONNY'S MOTOR AND HAVE RUN IT FOR A FEW YEARS NOW, IN MY BOAT, RELIABLY, AT FAR LESS THAN MAX RPM and guess what dip****s. It's bulletproof.
Oil, valve lash, clean fuel and nothing anything else.
A LOT OF HP AND TORQUE all day long at 4K RPM when it will spin 7K in a car.
Just shut up.
Get a job.

You're getting all worked up over a 15 year old post

i think its AI bots digging up these old post

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peteymack (Post 4942669)

Too bad theres NOT a "laughy" face to click on you getting all jacked up about a 15 year old discussion on a public forum, LMAO !

tried them, doesnt work. 1000cid, 1300 hp , put in drive and the bravo just fell of the transom.