I'm really curious; to see what the cranks, rods and pistons are. Stamped steel rocker arms and remand cast iron heads? 800 cfm carb, that would explain; 4500-4800 rpms. What is impressive about less than 1 hp per cid and 560 lbs torque for 15k-18k per engine, using Thunderbolt V with knock protection? Doesn't it seem strange Mercruiser, would now offer a engine with a carb and old ignition system after everything they have produced using EFI ?
For the same money, you could stroke you 502, alum heads, have good rocker arms, and install a 2000 cfm TB, install a Holley HP EFI, easily push 700 HP and 700 lbs torque, all with a hydraulic roller.
Just my engine builder 2 cents worth !!!!

Stump puller. I think they are targeting your 60's - 70's Caddy!

The answer is simple... Its a 540, with a decent cam and intake/fuel injection it would make over 520 hp. They already sell a fancy 520 for more $$

With a bunch of torque and a 4600 redline its the perfect motor... for you searay...

I probably should have posted this in general boating discussions, but I thought being engine related information in might fit in better here.

It is, all good stuff. I asked at a conference earlier this year when it was announced.

Just did exactly that except with dominators for around $15k x 2. Wish I'd went EFI though.

Exactly what I think!! I'm big into the small block side of boating and when the 400 hp scorpion came out I though it was a nice piece till I saw the price tag!!!

Rebuild your tired 502 for half the price

Get a ZZ502 - not much to convert to marine use.

Wannabe

My 540's are .030 over (548CI) with extremely mild cams and aluminum heads made cob=coservative 600 hp 660TQ, how can any 540 be only 440 hp? even with stock iron heads would have to make 550 plus and still be reliable.