Mercruiser has been building quality engines, both black and blue, for decades...with an inherent reliability that gives the consumer peace of mind. With that said, are there any private builders who can boast the same level of technology, reliability, and years in business? I remember back in the day, seeing the various builders' advertisements in magazines like POWERBOAT, HOTBOAT, etc. I wonder how many of those are still in business?

Interesting question. I think quality control is more refined on OEM but we have some really talented private builders in this country for sure. I see names like Carson Brummett, Bob Teague, Paul Pfaff and Boostpower building some serious HP for the shootouts. I’ve personally dealt with Tyler Crockett and Eddie Young with modifying/building engines and had a positive experience with both. I currently have two 588 cubic inch motors at WESCO Racing getting freshened up. Wesco’s customer service is awesome. I recently purchased a new RV on a Ford F550 chassis so I can tow the boat with it. I’ve taken it on two trips so far and both times the voltage drops to 13 and transmission locks into 7th gear. That’s after taking it to a commercial service center and they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. OEM isn’t void of quality control issues either.

There's good and bad builders everywhere. I think the bigger issue may be that people MODIFY a motor to perform above what their original design was and then don't do the proper maintenance on them and just expect it to be just as good as stock. The more HP an engine makes the more often its going to need some "caring for"
If you look at the stock Mercruiser motors, the bigger in HP you go, the shorter the time period between a "refresh" or a total rebuild. You cant expect to get over 1000 hours on a 1350hp motor like you can with something like a stock 4-500 hp BBC type engine...

Mercury big block vs off-brand big block: Yes

Mercury QC4V vs off-brand big block: No

They ALL are...
...if you ask THEM.

You know one thing worth mentioning is the process of having a clean slate to build more power with a private engine builder. I remember numerous conversations with Eddie Young on how to get a reliable 800HP mill using the parts we could from the existing motor. It’s just a lot of fun to discuss the build. Also getting a boat back with more power is just awesome. You can really wake a boat up by throwing some HP at it🍻

There are MANY great engine builders out there. But....If any of them were as good... They would give you a warranty! LOL

33 plus years, Innovation Marine

Geeeezzz, we must be nearing winter..................OldSchool, I did get a 6 month warranty from Brad, Smith power when he build my 540's......you enjoying the Chevelle ?

1 year parts and labor on marine
GM Marine Big Block Compatible 540 c.i. Pro Series Engine - 670 Horsep – BluePrint Engines