1-800-runs new 540 Attack dog
 

Planning to repower with a 540 (baja 272). The recon 540 Attack dog long block seems to be a good deal when compared to the prices used HP500 EFIs....
Does anybody run this engine on the board?
experiences and opinions appreciated.
Thanx
Andy

Do a thread search on 1800runsnew and the thread I blew a motor,Sheikman offered his ph. number to tell the story about there motors.

i thougt the attack dog was a new engine? I knwo you can get it with a merline block and i doubt there are that many merlins sitting around waiting to be rebiult.

I know someone with a pair in a 38 Formula. They have been good to him. I have their 502s and have been happy.

Others who have recently contacted them have not been happy with their cuctomer service and have gone elswhere.

Hey Andy,

Check out my thread: http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...threadid=46160 regarding 800runsasnew. That should tell you who you are dealing with. I had Steve at Total Marine Performance do my motors. Great guys to work with and very straight shooters. Competitive pricing and even better service. My new motors will be here Monday. I'll be posting pics. Everyone else I've talked to has nothing but good to say about Steve, Eddie and yes, even Leander! If you have any questions, post here or PM me.

Mongo

Have you thought about Jegs and the Merlin 509 540 HP for $7495.99. I know someone with a pair in a Cig bullet and they run great

Teague has a Merlin 509 w/ 575hp for $9,995.

Hey mongo,
Bet you can't wait:D :D :D :D
I was going to go with the same package you did with steve.
Just could spend the extra this year.
Bought a new 415hp 502, $4400.
maybe next year i'll pull it and make some changes.
Post some pics when they arrive:p :p :p

I've been chomping at the bit! Although, they probably sent a set of old Pinto engines, but I won't know until Monday when we open the crates :D :D :D :D

Don't worry, I'll post some pics. A pair of Pinto motors should push that Cig of mine just fine...

Mongo

Just because I'm working til 3 AM every night doesn't mean I don't read your posts. You'll be happy with the engines, I hope the pulse drives can handle them!!!! JJ.


We offer the 525 HP 502 new, not reman for 7500.00/ engine long block. We also offer it in a 450HP for 4900.00 w/ manley valves, etc. Feel free to give me a call, thanks


Steve

Hey Steve,

Do you have a website that describes your motors?

Yeah, sure Steve... Actually, I think you and Eddie have something going on! We're starting work on the boat today. Yanking the old motors and taking them down. I even get to find out what went with the old one. I'll keep ya posted...

Mongo

I was at Total Marine Performance a week ago and saw some real race engines. OHC Big block Chevies. They set a Pinto head onto a Merlin block and start drilling....and used a pizza box to make a head gasket :eureka: :eureka: :eureka: Those guys can build anything!!!!!


Steve- I enjoyed the visit to your facility. To all out there these guys have some REAL nice stuff, and helped me out over the phone with advice on a drive installation problem. Thanks again!

Ronnie AKA Bulldog

Thanks Ronnie, we're always happy to help. So many marine shops won't help without cash. We love boats, and don't mind talking shop. Anyone with questions, don't hesitate to call. We've learned a bit over the years, and try something new everyday, and we're glad to share it.

Steve

Yo Steve,

Yeah, the Pinto motors are fitting in the engine room much easier than the old big blocks! I should be posting photos tonight. Been dealing with "plumbing" issues with the new oil coolers and fuel pumps. It's hard to find all the right pieces let alone 4 of each! We have most of it worked out and should start them this afternoon.

Mongo

Mongo,
What are you using for coolers?

Steve,
What do you suggest for stock 502?

We use a custom 3x18 cooler. It substantially reduces engine temp over stock cooler, and increases oil volume more than a quart.

Do you use a thermostat for the oil ???

No, that is overkill in your setup. These coolers work great w/o it.

My concern would be the oil not getting hot enough with a cooler that size.
Do you think the 16"merc. combo cooler, (oil & p/s) is to small??

The cooler you use, is it a combo??
How much????

I had a bad experiance with the 800 runs new boys. The heads on the "NEW" long block were both junk! The valve seals were ground down so far, that the valve had no land to seat on. Ran it for a season with a miss. Tore it down the following year and argued with them for two months until they decided it was bad machining. Their fix was to put bigger valves in, instead of fixing the seats. Now I have rebuilt heads on a new short block!

BTW: The head gasket that came on that engine is a stock GM. The first thing they told me to do was change them to Felpro.

Good luck with your decision.

Bob

Now I'm really glad I made the decision to go with Total Marine and Performance! Thanks for the story, Bob.

The oil coolers are from Eddie Marine, the heavy duty ones. Around $300 +/- with brackets.

Mongo