If you keep up with the springs then the lifters should not become a problem. I don't plan on changing mine. If you find broken springs then the lifters need to be changed out in my opinion.

??

Cig30,

there are a lot of knowledgable performance minds in your area...

to get a good lead on the best.. try giving Ray Barton Racing Engines a call in Reading, PA... they build some of the best engines running in NHRA Stock and Superstock... Hemi's are their forte' (they assemble the mopar available hemi's also) but they also do a mighty fine job with BBC and SBC's. They can probably either do it or surely point you in the correct direction.

Then there is the BBC guru pat musi and numerous others right there under your nose...

Btw, we set the NHRA Superstock SS/IA class record last month in alabama with a new Barton SBC @ 9.79 - 133 mph... We were a ligitimate 70 lbs heavy and gave up almost a tenth in the 60 on that run and it went lean on the top end... she'll be a 9.50's car when the suspension gets sorted out a bit more... :)

Merry Christmas

Jamie

Jamie,
Congratulations. National records, especially in SS, are very hard to come by!
Happy Holidays,
Bob

For a data point, I have 1998 500HP's in a 32' AT. I changed springs at 380 hours, two inner springs were broken. I went back with Crane springs and now have 500 hours with no spring or lifter problems. The springs I got from Crane were not the same springs as were installed. Something about a harmonic that broke the springs at hard running at ~4000 rpm. I had a valve job done at the time and replaced the head gaskets. The newer 500EFI's were said to not have this problem due to the different springs. Call Crane or Comp Cams for more info.

Tom Gurley
Thunderstruck

???

400-500hrs. I'd still check them for sag @200 hrs then every 100hrs after.

You might try Bay Performance on the Northeast River in Md. I have talked to Norm there several times and he seems quite knowledgable. He is also mercuiser certified and specializes in perf boats.

Dave

Blue Thunder,

Thanks for the lead. I would think that as much as everyone references the spring replacement as "good maintenance", more dealers/shops could step up with recommendations and even a standard quote, detailing the different options (ie: quality of replacement parts).

A dream world I guess, but it would be so much easier if this subject could be answered as such;

1) In the owners manual along with the other dealer recommended service @ 100-200-300 hours etc.

1a) Funny how Merc. doesn't mention it.

2) 10 hours x 90.00 per hours + parts @ 900.00 (example) total $1,800 - better springs + $1,000 more.

3) Bring your boat in Thursday morning, pick it up Friday night.

And if there was a Santa, a good mechanic to go TO the boat, perform the service, and send a bill for his/services, and go boating!

Glenns,
A lifter check is advisable while you are changing out your springs. Visually check the roller wheel for burnishing or abnormalities. Then take each roller and run it across the surface of polished granite (or a similar hard, dense, smooth surface). The action of the wheel must be perfectly smooth. If not discard and replace the lifter.
Cigarette 30,
I did not see your engine package in previous posts. Let me know Ill get you some information.
Bob