After running the numbers on my 427/bravo conversion I think the AFR 265's are going to be out of my budget. So right now these are my two head choices. 049 Ovals and 269 Merlin Ovals.

The 049 have 2.19/1.88 valves, gasket matched, less than 1000 miles on rebuild. The other choice is a set of Merlin 269 ovals. The 049 are $400 and will need stainless valves installed to work for my boat. The Merlins are $800 and I'm pretty sure I can run them as they are. So cost wise they will be very close.

I can find a lot of info on the large chevy ovals but almost nothing on the merlins. How do the two compare and which is a better choice?

The engine is a punched out forged 427 (440 ci). I'll be running a fairly aggressive cam from bob mandara and compression will be just under 10:1, RPMs will be around 6200.

My budget on the heads is going to be around $1000.00 so any other suggestions shoot them my way!

Had nothing but good luck with the merlins..If bob is grinding the cam talk to him on what he thinks best for your application..

merlin specs.down load the pdf file.http://www.who-sells-it.com/images/c.../pdf_11812.pdf

Give Jim Valako (JimV) a call. We discussed 049 heads the other day, and he knows the performance of Merlin heads, he has done a lot of work with merlins. Also has worked with Bob.
616 889 0928

I would say that the Merlins should flow a bit more than the stock 049 heads if the 049 dont have much port work done to them

but you should see what BOB recommends to go with,
if he's doing the cam he will know what will work better as far as flow numbers etc. and what will match up better if he already did the cam

if he did not do the cam already then I would say the Merlins would flow more and he can grind the cam accordingly to those specific heads

definately speak with him before you decide on anything

if your interested in maybe selling those merlin heads if you dont use them let me know

Don't trust the merlins out of the box. The set I got cost me an engine!

BTW dont plan on spinning your engine 6200 rpm through a braveo any legnth of time and make sure you have a huge oil pan on that engine and the proper oil cooler..

That is one thing I've been wondering about! What is max RPM for a bravo? Is there any difference if its an x drive?

I have guys turning the bravo xr's 6500rpms, and a guy with an Ilmore turning 6300 RPM's. Mine turnes 6200. For a pleasure boat who will only be WOT just a fraction of the time you wil be fine. Torgue is the killer, hard starts, comming out of the water under load, etc. Just my opinion.

I talked to both Bob and Jim V and both said the Merlin is the better head over the any of the chevy ovals! The ones I'm looking at are the merlin I's Grumpy Jenkins 269 Ovals. I know there are 3 versions of these heads. These being the first. Does anyone know what the differences are between the 3 versions?

I know of two version determined by the intake volume of 320cc and 260? I have 2 set of the smaller ones I'm reworking now. I think my casting numbers are 043 but would have to look to be sure.
Summit Racing lists the specs.
Mark