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-   -   502 carb 550hp - Blower vs NA (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-q/328561-502-carb-550hp-blower-vs-na.html)

onesickpantera 07-17-2015 07:40 PM


Originally Posted by Rookie (Post 4331185)
Yes, that is exactly what I was saying.

I missed the sarcasm. :) I know a 420 is way more than needed, but from what I have read it's much safer to turn a big blower slower than a small blower faster.

onesickpantera 07-17-2015 07:42 PM


Originally Posted by Baja Rooster (Post 4331204)
Aaaaaand the next expense...what drive are you running?

That's always an issue with Bravos!

Rookie 07-17-2015 08:26 PM


Originally Posted by onesickpantera (Post 4331207)
I missed the sarcasm. :) I know a 420 is way more than needed, but from what I have read it's much safer to turn a big blower slower than a small blower faster.

Lol, no problem. For the minimal power you are looking for a 250 would be perfect, (Save a Bravo) and I might know where one is coming up for sale soon.

And NO Mild I'm not going to be selling my pair. They will eventually go on the Panther.

MILD THUNDER 07-17-2015 09:13 PM

Here's my argument in the blower size. Small blowers highly overdriven, make excellent torque down low. Lets say the 250 vs the 420 blower at full throttle, at 3500RPM, both making 6lbs of boost. The 250 will more than likely make more torque there. You probably wont start seeing gains in power, until about 5000RPM. Then, the big blower will walk away from the small blower. Especially when you run hard for long periods of time like, in a boat.

So, if drives staying together was a concern, thats a tough call.

To get back to the original question, its easy. The 600sc merc engine, was nothing more than basically a 502 mag, with a different cam, which was a flat tappet, dished pistons for 7.5:1, and the 420 blower, with twin 700 carbs. It was a very reliable engine, and many added chillers, and cranked up the boost. I know of one guy, who installed chillers, cranked the boost to 10psi, and ran that setup for 10 years!!

I'm a fan of blowers, but like mike tkach says, for only 550hp, no reason to add them. I'd rebuild the setup with some better components to get to 550HP, with 9:1 or a hair less compression. Run that for a while. Then, if you wanna get silly, toss a blower on there, like the 420, or 871, and enjoy 700-750hp as well. :)

Uncle Dave 07-17-2015 09:15 PM


Originally Posted by onesickpantera (Post 4330666)
I know there have been plenty of "NA vs Blower" threads and I have searched them. But, I would like to hear opinions from the gearheads on here about this specifically.

If you had a 502 Mag (carb version) and you wanted 550hp, would you replace the cam, lifters, pushrods, rockers, springs, intake, carb and exhaust or look at putting a small blower (420 or similar) blower on top with upgraded head bolts/studs, head gaskets and valves?

Which is more cost effective and reliable at this moderate hp level?

How many hours on the mill?

UD

offshorexcursion 07-17-2015 11:01 PM


Originally Posted by onesickpantera (Post 4330666)
I know there have been plenty of "NA vs Blower" threads and I have searched them. But, I would like to hear opinions from the gearheads on here about this specifically.

If you had a 502 Mag (carb version) and you wanted 550hp, would you replace the cam, lifters, pushrods, rockers, springs, intake, carb and exhaust or look at putting a small blower (420 or similar) blower on top with upgraded head bolts/studs, head gaskets and valves?

Which is more cost effective and reliable at this moderate hp level?

550hp N/A makes more sense to me even though I am also a fan of forced induction. It will be nice to freshen the engine anyways and then you KNOW what you have.

Plus adding a blower....properly....is more work then one might think.

I personally would select parts that are the best value. Sometimes we all go overboard and there are plenty of good choices that will produce very similar results for less money. For example, a 550hp build with some good flowing, less expensive, iron heads over aluminum.

Keep us updated! Enjoy!

onesickpantera 07-20-2015 12:30 PM

This was a hypothetical question. Looking at a boat with a low hour(about 50) 502 Mag carb. I know you can get 550hp with cam, lifter, springs, etc. I understand that is the route most taken.

But, with all the used blowers out there it got me thinking that may be a better option. Bigger blower spinning slower = less heat and more reliability than a smaller blower and less valve train wear.

Wheels were spinning so I was looking for opinions.


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