540 build exhaust question
02-02-2017, 10:51 PM
#21
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Im in the middle of building a 540 for my Powerquest over the winter. In the fall I planned on just rebuild the 502 and maybe doing like a 509, but my father in law talked me into a 540.... But i bought a set of factory 496 aluminum exhaust manifolds with stainless risers for the upgrade. Just wondering if these will flow enough for the displacement of 540 or if I should upgrade to some sort of headers. Hoping for about 600hp or so..... just trying to build something reliable
I run a pair of 540's w/ Eddie Marine Thunder Exh. , ran 9 seasons now w/ No problems, No reversion, maybe some flow a little better but these have been great for me.
02-03-2017, 12:46 AM
#22
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I won't argue that the 502 might outperform the 540 with poor exhaust. I would personally build the best engine from the inside out. Build the 540 and have the limiting power factor the exhaust. It's a heck of a lot easier to put better exhaust on a year or 2 down the road than throw in a new crank, rods and pistons.
Problem is sometimes the "parts salesman" won't mention exhaust when they don't sell exhaust, they just mention what they make profit on, even if it's not the best advice for said customer....
02-03-2017, 06:59 AM
#23
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I won't argue that the 502 might outperform the 540 with poor exhaust. I would personally build the best engine from the inside out. Build the 540 and have the limiting power factor the exhaust. It's a heck of a lot easier to put better exhaust on a year or 2 down the road than throw in a new crank, rods and pistons.
02-03-2017, 07:11 AM
#24
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How are you getting a complete quality rotating assembly to put in the 540 for 1K................ 509 .30 over 502 just needs pistons, reuse crank and rods....540 needs crank, rods and pistons.
02-03-2017, 07:11 AM
#25
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Thanks Rookie, thats what I was thinking. Ive been talking with Jim V alot. He is going to be doing some headwork on whatever heads I decide to go with. My thought on the motor is that its only a 1K or so to go from a 509 to a 540..... Might as well build a solid platform and go from there. As far as exhaust go I got a package deal on two sets of 496 manifolds and risers in the fall I can sell those and by some E-tops, or lightning headers and not have a whole lot extra out of pocket. Luckily with Michigan we all have a few months of down time to find deals on parts.
You'll need a new flywheel and balancer as well.
Rough guestimate with parts and machining, youll be in the 3500 range to convert the shortblock to a 540.
A 502 making 1.2hp per ci, is 602. A 540, is 648. Thats with all things being equal. Factor in a slight frictional loss from the longer stroke, and windage, prob a 30-40hp gain.
The right cam, exhaust, intake and carb, can easily amount to that plus some.
If its alll in the budget, by all means, disregard my statements. I just try fsctoring in HP per dollar most of the time.
Last edited by MILD THUNDER; 02-03-2017 at 07:17 AM.
02-03-2017, 07:39 AM
#26
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guess we were typing at the same time..................^^^^^^^^^^^^
02-03-2017, 07:42 AM
#27
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I went with the KE headers from Diamond performance, they are a great piece, sound great and none of the hassles of the CMI . Also my engines are 555 NA fuel injected.
02-03-2017, 07:48 AM
#28
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Only 1k dollars? A decent set of rods, crank, pistons, are gonna run around 1800. My personal preference when going to a 4.25 stroke would be to upgrade the stock oil pans. A decent pan is 400+
You'll need a new flywheel and balancer as well.
Rough guestimate with parts and machining, youll be in the 3500 range to convert the shortblock to a 540.
A 502 making 1.2hp per ci, is 602. A 540, is 648. Thats with all things being equal. Factor in a slight frictional loss from the longer stroke, and windage, prob a 30-40hp gain.
The right cam, exhaust, intake and carb, can easily amount to that plus some.
If its alll in the budget, by all means, disregard my statements. I just try fsctoring in HP per dollar most of the time.
You'll need a new flywheel and balancer as well.
Rough guestimate with parts and machining, youll be in the 3500 range to convert the shortblock to a 540.
A 502 making 1.2hp per ci, is 602. A 540, is 648. Thats with all things being equal. Factor in a slight frictional loss from the longer stroke, and windage, prob a 30-40hp gain.
The right cam, exhaust, intake and carb, can easily amount to that plus some.
If its alll in the budget, by all means, disregard my statements. I just try fsctoring in HP per dollar most of the time.
02-03-2017, 08:07 AM
#29
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If I was going to rebuild to a 509 I'd atleast upgrade to h beams and new pistons. Arp2000 bolts and reconning the big end of the rod....might as well spend 200 more and get a decent set of h beams. Engine pro h beams with arp2000 bolts are only 415 and there a pretty good rod from what I've heard. So the only real difference is the crank. I was lucky enough to get a special on a forged eagle from CNC motorsports so it just made sense to me to go that route for the $$$
02-03-2017, 08:15 AM
#30
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The guys @ CNC are good dudes and know their chit.........bought plenty from them over the years
