540 tall deck or standard?
 

Decided on a 540 as the size of motor. Now the quesion is should the deck be standard or tall. The goal is to have longest engine life and will be mainly used between 3500 and 4500 rpm. Engines are spaced 35 inches crank center with e-tops as exhaust.

I figure longer rod means faster wear but better piston angle. Which is better?

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

Tall deck 6.800 rod is my favorite combination.

Better rod angle = less wear on the pistons and cyl walls.

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

ttt

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

Keep in mind the tall deck block will put the two engines about a 1/2 inch closer to each other since the heads are higher and further out from the crank C/L. I used standard blocks and didn't realize the exhasst ports in the Merlin heads were higher. I did get lucky and the hatch lift JUST fit beween the manifolds

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

I went with Dart Big M tall decks to build my 540s. I also have 35 inch on center motors. With CMI elbow top headers, I have about 1 inch between exhausts. Used tall single plane manifolds and had barely enough clearance to close hatches with 3" K&N filters. Every builder I talked to said go with the tall deck if that was an option, so I did.

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

Long rods don't mean faster wear. There's less side load with longer rods.

The only drawback is that they take up more room. Taller block. Intake spacers. Less room between motors.

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

I going to have a couple of 540's around 590 hp built this fall. My engine builder said it's my call on tall deck or standard about $1400 more. He said I really don't need the tall deck due to my mild setup.
What do you guys think, money is getting tight but I would hate to skimp at this point?
Thanks Alot

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

If keeping the boat long term, go tall decks. If keeping the boat short term, go low decks.

Chris

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

What About Building 572,s The Parts Are The Same Price I Believe.and They Would Make About 50hp More.i Built A Short Deck 540 With Gm Block And Heads And Makes 630.the Builder Said The Geometry Of The Tall Deck Is Better And A Tall Deck Block Is Stronger Then My Gm But For My Application And My Budget The Short Deck Was Fine.if Your Planning On Supercharging Later Go Tall Deck.

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

I started out rebuiling my 454 mags and now I am talking about 540's I have to stop there.
I just don't like hearing "the standard blocks are not as durable" but they will be fine for you :crazy: . I am looking for long term, but was told the standard will be fine.

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

Just Think After All The Money Is Spent On The Motors From 540,s To Exhaust To Dyno Time Now In The Boat For The First Ride.just Remember To Leave Enough For Money Seatow If You Have Bravo Drives.

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

Standard will be just fine. Heck, my motor is a plain jane 502 block and it's holding up just fine.

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

For the guys that swapped to tall decks, did you have to redrill your engine mounts and modfey your transom for the exhaust?

I'm going to run a stock block for a couple years in my new 28 and then might jump up to a tall deck, so I'm interestd in the required modifications...

Thanks

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

Standard blocks are fine for a mild build up. You need big cubic inches to go upwards of 700+ HP N/A and thats when you need tall decks.

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

I am in the process of building a standard deck 540. I used Lunati Pro Mod 6.385" rods in a Dart Big "M" block. I wanted to go with a tall deck, but didn't want to run into alignment problems with the exhaust system.

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

the biggest diference in 9.800" DH & 10.200"DH is as everyone knows .400". that being said, most people thinks it is rod angle, but that all depends on rod length and piston comp. height. the rod and piston doesnt know which dh block its in. you can put a 6.535" (+ .400") rod and a piston with a ch of 1.120 in a short deck or 9.800" block and have good rod ratio or rod angle. only difference is pistons and rods are not as common. not too long ago those parts were not available. the real question here should be rod ratio and piston speed. I have built many 540's in both blocks making 700 plus horse drag eng's. even though i know drag eng's and marine eng's are not the same thing , dont think that those engines dont get run hard 8,000 rpm down a 1/4 mile is hard on them. wich is about what we put them throug on the Dyno . Have got longevity out of both deck hieghts. more than 600 passes, no wear on skirts. just my 2 cents KR

Re: 540 tall deck or standard?
 

If your are going to build a 540ci and only spin it 5,500 making 650hp a short deck will givegood life with good parts in it. but if you decide to go to a tall deck block you should either make a 572ci. or 604ci. the price is not much differnt and get the most for your money and get good longivetyat the same time.