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?

Tall deck 6.800 rod is my favorite combination.

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

ttt

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

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.

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.

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

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

Chris

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.

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 . I am looking for long term, but was told the standard will be fine.