MER
I hear what you are saying.
I have to say I'm a self-taught backyarder that's budgets are getting better but are nowhere close to some of the folks here and elsewhere. I just try to pass on what I know on the chance that it may help someone else out that is in my position. I’m not always right but I’m not always wrong either. Sometimes it’s due to extensive research and trial and error. Other times it’s just dumb luck but if it works and will save someone a few bucks then I see no reason to keep it a secret.
Secrets …. I’m not sure why some folks hold back on everything. I deal with a lot classic and in most case antiquated technology that for some reason folks think they are holding on to the Roswell files. Just an example now that most of the players have sadly passed so no feelings will get hurt. I have a 1959 Biesemeyer drag boat. No one wants to tell me any of the secrets about it. Set up, weight distribution all the way down to something as simple as like how to drive it. We are talking about a boat that was high tech back when most people had black and white TVs, the Moon landing was a decade away and cars were bigger than most boats and had fins on them (figure that out??? lol). I ended up in a b*tch fest of a thread over at P/B for just asking the comparison between a 2 and 3 blade prop. And I won’t even get into how crazy the Casale family (V drives) are except to say the first phone call started with the farther (Andy) asking what V drive I had? I said a C1000. He says, how do I know that? I say, because I’m looking at it on my work bench and one on their website. He says, “you have no clue what you have stupid” and slams the phone down hanging up on me. And yes it is a Casale C1000.
I don’t get it? Maybe if you are building the newest and best thing for Nascar or something but we are taking about a boat motor here. So what if someone in another part of the country built the same motor you built down to the last nut and bolt. Why does that matter to some? As for the “flamed” part, again so what. You want to bust my balls for what I built, have at it. I have been on the web for 15 years and you won’t be the first one. Hell, some even call me at home to do it (Fixx lol). The way I look at it is when your 100K boat comes blasting up the channel and a little red boat comes up beside you (that I paid hundreds for not thousands) I may not be able to out run you but you will know that you are not toying with a 1980’s Bayliner either (please, I’m not flaming Bayliner, learned my lesson during a 5 year long torture post on iboats). This is what the net is for. To spread the knowledge.
Lucky enough there are a few that are like me and if you scour the web you can find them. Those who bought or built a motor that works and lists the specs then it is as easy as buying the parts and following directions.
Last I would say for OSO in particular. You all weren’t born with silver spoons in your mouths. You had to start somewhere. Please keep that in mind when answering some of these posts. Bob is a good call which is free and his cams are no more expensive than most. But some of the stuff you all come up with I wouldn’t do in the Nova 24 Race Boat just for the fact of having 60 grand in motors in a boat that’s worth 40 on a good day. The money some will spend on exhaust for motors that will never use it is insane. Here is a tip for some folks that have made some upgrades to a 454 and is looking for exhaust. Check out MerCruiser 496 exhaust. I’ve checked out a few studies (people dyno’ing different brands on the same motor, etc, etc). I use them on 2 boats and they hold their own up to like 600hp for a fraction of the price. And let’s be honest most natural asp motors will never see 600hp at a WOT of 5000 rpms. And folks if you are a back yarder and worried about getting flamed, so what. You have friends here.

Very well put. In the past you have helped me stay on track with my build by not getting out of hand doing things that aren't needed and I really am grateful for that. Bob M is probably one of the coolest, well spoken, most knowledgable marine engine builders I have ever met. I'm not trying to kiss butt here, just stating my opinion and personal experience with these folks. And bob helps me even though I plan to buy pistons,valvetrain parts and maybe a cam depending upon budget and if this 525 efi cam won't work. I know he isn't making a mint off me, so I have to say he's a good man.

The other day I had a great talk with MER and I left that email convo feeling better about OSO. The last thing I would ever want to do is give bad advice and I try not to ever give it if I haven't done it. But I also get a bit tired of people assuming others financial backgrounds and suggesting unneeded components that are 3 times overbuilt. It discourages these folks from this great hobby and sport we all have so much passion for. I might have a 23 ft boat, but I have some of the same interests and am financially equal in many cases with my buddies who happen to own 38-40 ft offshore rigs. I just choose to not sink all of my money into one interest/hobby.

I too wish others weren't so bash happy and were more willing to help guys, but there are quite a few here, FIXX, BOB M, MER, Griff, Eddie @ young performance marine, Dennis Moore who do... The list is too long. Anyone here with knowledge enough to help, thank you for not forgetting where you came from. Quite a few of you do this for a living and constantly give FREE advice. Thanks for doing what you do, and keeping this sport/hobby alive and well.

Borgie, no hard feelings. If you need anything Pm' me and we'll talk. I apologize if I was being a dik. It's all good. Lets build you a killer 496.

I really appreciate that, and I apologize for coming off like a pompous pr**k, because I'm really not that way at all. Maybe some other things contributed to my getting too passionate about some of these topics. You have helped me in the past and I realize your have quite a bit of knowledge regarding marine engines etc. I will definitely PM you if I need to make some final build decisions. Unfortunately I'm also updating/restoring this boat, so it's going to be a long winter! Just removed my bravo today only to find a hammered gimble ring. Instead of repairing it I might just buy a low hour one off of eBay for $300 and buy the swivel shaft from JR marine. Oh well, it's a 20 year old boat and things are bound to wear out. Thx again.

Oh Jesus whats a bunch of *****es whats next group hug you fruitcakes

:gfight:

So what is your problem? This isn't the first time; I have seen some type of insult, from your post.
Maybe it's easier for you to make that statement, from your keyboard. I would say; you most likely would not walk up to anyone you are commenting towards and say that; to their face.
I'am sure the rest of these members; appricate your comment.