The 625 is no longer made by Ilmor, although they have some leftovers. Their only two current engines (Generation IV) are the 650 and 725. I'm a happy camper with my 725/Indy.

I don't see Mercury publishing many comparison tests of the two company's competing products in the future. I would love to see the results of tests from a neutral source, though.

Me too. That article is a bit fuzzy.

Also,

The Ilmor isn't as tall as the Merc so for those that have tight spaces. No need for a scoop on the rear deck. The last comparison I saw on Merc's website had them pretty much even steven....

Does anyone have WOT fuel consumption numbers for the Mercury 700? Given that purchase price and performance numbers are pretty close, the difference may be more pronounced in cost-of-ownership.

What upgrades, (if any) can done to the 550? I take it that Ilmor isn't making the 550 anymore either, correct?
Thanks,
Dean

Dean,
the 550 is not produced anymore. The older 550 can be upgraded to the 625 with a valvetrain swap and ecu re-cal. We will still do new gen 3s with warranty's in 570, 625, 7-10 configs. if anyone wants the original screamers!

ILMORdude,
I sent you a PM.
Thanks,
Dean

No blower- same or slightly more HP
No belt dust all over your bilge
<better top end rush less midrange and low end>
more compact- a tad longer but not as tall
All aluminum
Better mileage
great service and support (this is all about your "guy" though)
better drive- (less parasitic loss)
Factory CMI's

Far fewer computer issues than the merc 700

Lifespan is incredible with little to no maintenance, and some guys reporting hours at 600+ with nothing more than fluid changes.


Uncle Dave

thanks this is great info...I'll just have to wait for my next boat to get em, not wanting to go through the learning curve in my current boat not to mention the $$$$.

What kind of cost is there to adding the indy drive to a 710 package vrs adding a Merc 6 to the same package.