How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?
11-14-2004 | 03:23 PM
#1
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From: Carlisle, MA USA
How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?
I just got a pair of 454 motors. I dropped them off at the engine builders and he will have them apart this week I hope. What I am trying to figure out is what to do with them. They have Oval Port Merlin heads and I am wondering what is the best set up. Sould I keep them naturally aspirated, or go with blowers. I want to see mid to high 70's out of my boat (Formula 302 with a lot of lightening mods) so I will need btwn 500 and 575hp I figure so that is my goal hp wise. I know that the oval ports are better for low end grunt however can I get the HP that I am looking for with those heads?
Jon
Jon
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11-14-2004 | 04:52 PM
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From: Holland MI
Re: How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?
The ones I have done in the past made 505 on the dyno, very mild 454 engines with Merlin oval-port heads. Call me if you'd like. home,616-738-0474 or cel,616-403-3962.
11-15-2004 | 07:03 AM
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From: Holland, Michigan
Re: How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?
The motors that Crazy is talking about are mine and SuperV's they even had flat tappet cams add a roller cam and some head work 550+......
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11-15-2004 | 07:25 AM
#6
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From: Carlisle, MA USA
Re: How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?
Do you guys think those motors are maxed out? What do you guys think about dropping compresion a little and puting a blower on there?
Jon
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11-15-2004 | 07:44 AM
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From: Holland, Michigan
Re: How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?
maxxed out?depends on what you mean????add a stroker crank and 40 ci you might get 30 more hp. add a blower lower the compression...600 on pump gas.
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If your boat has a sail do you ride a horse to the ramp?
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11-15-2004 | 08:34 AM
#8
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From: Carlisle, MA USA
Re: How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?
I can get a pair of blowers from the guy building them for cheap. Will have to find oval port intakes but they are not so bad from what I understand. They are the same blowers that you have Sutphen. Yes yes your trannies I will certainly need. Now I just need to save up the money again 
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11-15-2004 | 08:38 AM
#9
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From: Carlisle, MA USA
Re: How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?
Originally Posted by dyno
maxxed out?depends on what you mean????add a stroker crank and 40 ci you might get 30 more hp. add a blower lower the compression...600 on pump gas.
The exhaust that I plan to run is a Mercuiser/Gill set up.
Jon
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11-15-2004 | 09:17 AM
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From: Carlisle, MA USA
Re: How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?
Has to be wet due to the noise issues that I am sure that you read about Biggus and the gang up on the lake. I actually prefer wet anyhow just due to the comfort level on the boat. I just want to have fun not piss people off
Jon
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