Raylar 540 cu Short Block 496 upgrade ??
 

Looking at upgrading my 496HO motors in my 35' Outlaw to get 700+ hp with Whipple kit later down the road. I have read several post about Whipple installs blowing motors. Is upgrading the 496 to the 540 cu short block a smart move, or should I look for larger motors? Talking with Raylar Motors, sounds like I can get 700+ Hp with using most of my 496 parts that bolt up to the 540 cu short block that they now have available.

Sorry, I'm not a motor guy so some of my story might sound stupid, but I think I have explained my concern. I'm just confused that I can get 700hp with a 496 motor with exchanging the block for a 540 cu and bolting up the Whipple Blower.

Help please, before I spend 20k for a waste.

This is going to be a chitstorm... You are going to have 496 lovers and 496 haters, guys that like EFI and guys that like carbs. There are a few guys that have 496's with Raylar kits - I think most if not all of us are happy.

Donzi Matt, SD Fever, Rage, Vortech Bandit, Me: We all have different variations but none have superchargers(yet). I would guess you would be around mid 600's pretty easy with the Raylar 540 normally aspirated. SD is over 700 with his, I am low 600's and Rage is 600's I believe. You can get many more cu inches out of them now especially if you do a Dart 8.1/496 block.

Let us know what you do, they are interesting builds. The guys above are knowledgeable and helpful.

I'll add there is no way you will do 2 motors for 20k with Whipples.

My opinion is leave it, sell it and buy a faster boat with the power you want. Or keep it and enjoy the reliability of it.

That's for sure ..our whipple was at 9500 for a carb one

The majority of blown 496's were from Whipples on stock engines. Stock 496 pistons are not blower friendly. The Raylar 540 shortblock is a great upgrade with all forged parts and stronger block. A Whipple 540 should be an easy 700hp assuming you have the right parts. The stock iron 496 heads suck. I would upgrade to the Raylar heads.

Good reading here..... http://www.performanceboats.com/outd...ge=3&_k=7frimz