What's your preference, and why?

[rivermobster]

If you were looking to re-power or even buy new power your boat project, would you prefer dealing with a custom engine builder, or a crate type engine builder, and why?

Just curious what the feeling is out there.

 

[Carlson-jet]

For myself having a Jet-bote that is very limited to speed below 70 due to safety factors and stringer design I opted for a remand marine long block 454" BBC I picked up super cheap. I was converting from Olds to BBC and didn't have anything at that point. I went back through the motor, sold the heads, cam,lifters etc. and built up a set of better heads/cam combo. It has been very reliable for over 10 years, so for the small amount I put into it I'm happy.

If I was looking for more speed in a better hull and had the block heads etc. I needed to achieve the power/speed I wanted I would choose a Builder.

Every body is going to have different needs so the answer is very dependent on their circumstance.

 

[TheKeysLife]

Depends on what you are re-powering?!

 

[Tamalewagon]

I'd go with the guy you trust to do the job and get it done right the first time. I would prefer reliability over excessive power. Strangely...I'm in the market to have this done!

 

[ColdSteel]

No option for build it yourself?

 

[28Eliminator]

Custom all the way, or do it yourself. I don't buy into the "Mercruiser is the greatest thing since sliced bread" bullshit

For the money would spend on a Merc racing motor, you can build some VERY nice one off power.

 

[Singleton]

Ilmor is the way I am heading. Less weight, more power 570 and less money. Plus plug and play into existing setup

 

[rivermobster]

No option for build it yourself?

Nope.

This is for people that are NOT looking to do their own build.

People that are looking to purchase power, not build it.

 

[rivermobster]

Depends on what you are re-powering?!

Why would you say that?

 

[waterhorse]

I prefer a custom engine build for just that reason, build it to the specs and budget I and or the builder provide. And then do a dyno break-in and test to have some real data of the engine's capability.
Greg

 

[Gelcoater]

Why would you say that?

Because if I were powering a wood deck flattie or some v-drive flat with Billy B paint or the like a crate motor wouldn't have the appeal a gen 2 426 Hemi with a 10-71 and polished everything.

 

[pronstar]

I'd consider a reputable engine builder for sure. It seems I can get better value for my particular application.

If only I knew a reputable builder...

 

[hallett21]

Where do us outboard guys stand lol?

 

[prosthogod]

I'm on my 5 engine built by Larry Peto. $s/hp is the reason(dollers cost per horsepower produced). 1 year warranty

 

[rivermobster]

Because if I were powering a wood deck flattie or some v-drive flat with Billy B paint or the like a crate motor wouldn't have the appeal a gen 2 426 Hemi with a 10-71 and polished everything.

Well said. :thumbup:

 

[530RL]

It depends.

If it is a toy that I understand I am gonna lose just about every penny I put into it, custom is the way to go.

If I expect to re-sell it some day, got to go with Mercruiser reman or a similar crate motor that a regular buyer would put more faith into.

 

[Cole Trickle]

If I was building a 40 'skater or 35 DCB I would do with big Mercury twin turbo power.

It's reliable makes good power and if I could afford either of those boats who gives a shit what it costs because I have stupid f-you baller $$$$$[emoji12][emoji41]

 

[TBI]

If you were looking to re-power or even buy new power your boat project, would you prefer dealing with a custom engine builder, or a crate type engine builder, and why?

Just curious what the feeling is out there.

Yes

 

[rivermobster]

If I was building a 40 'skater or 35 DCB I would do with big Mercury twin turbo power.

It's reliable makes good power and if I could afford either of those boats who gives a shit what it costs because I have stupid f-you baller $$$$$[emoji12][emoji41]

LOL!!!

Lot's of If's there. How about what would YOU do??

 

[throttle]

most likey a new merc on the horizon

 

[Cole Trickle]

LOL!!!

Lot's of If's there. How about what would YOU do??

New boat.....Mercury power (probably outboards)

Old boat custom power

 

[Ragged Edge]

TCM :thumbsup

 

[2Driver]

Guess Im boring. I sure like the 6.0 in my Ultra.

 

[nrbr]

Hard to beat the mercury warranty ,monitoring systems resell and parts availability! Unless it's a kustom haul ass deal

 

[Don Johnson]

It depends.

If it is a toy that I understand I am gonna lose just about every penny I put into it, custom is the way to go.

If I expect to re-sell it some day, got to go with Mercruiser reman or a similar crate motor that a regular buyer would put more faith into.

I don't necessarily agree with this statement. Plenty of very well known and respected engine builders where boats pull top dollar used, Teague, Brummet, Peto and Sterling are some that come to mind.

 

[Sun burners]

Does builder back up work 100%? Or does customer get to pay again?

 

[plaster dave]

I would go with my buddy who has built my motors for the past 11-12 years. He has QMP do all the machining and he does the assembly.
I had Pete Fleming do a motor for me one time. That was a reality check to say the least. He will never touch my stuff again.

 

[28Eliminator]

I don't necessarily agree with this statement. Plenty of very well known and respected engine builders where boats pull top dollar used, Teague, Brummet, Peto and Sterling are some that come to mind.

I would add GT and Pfaff to that list [emoji106]

 

[GRADS]

Custom all the way, or do it yourself. I don't buy into the "Mercruiser is the greatest thing since sliced bread" bullshit

For the money you would spend on a Merc racing motor, you can build some VERY nice one off power.

Merc all the way. I don't buy into the "for the money you would spend on a Merc motor, you can build some VERY nice one off power" bullshit

No way in hell a custom motor will last as long as a Merc motor under the same conditions.:thumbup:

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Where do us outboard guys stand lol?

In the kitchen!

 

[rivermobster]

Does builder back up work 100%? Or does customer get to pay again?

Any reputable builder would.

 

[28Eliminator]

Merc all the way. I don't buy into the "for the money you would spend on a Merc motor, you can build some VERY nice one off power" bullshit

No way in hell a custom motor will last as long as a Merc motor under the same conditions.:thumbup:

View attachment 416772

That's one of the stupidest statements you've ever made, and you've made some really stupid ones [emoji107] [emoji13]

A correctly built custom engine, HP for HP will last just as long or longer than any Merc blue motor.

 

[Hallett Dave]

For my Hallett Mini Cruiser jet, I chose Foxwell & Straub for my BBC stroker 3 years ago. I chose B1 racing for my pump.
They exceeding my expectations of performance.
When I need to have the engine re-done, due to logistics and shipping prices, I would be in touch with Barry (Obnoxious One) and most definitely Mike Johnson @ JMS Racing Engines. Mike is a stand up guy. JMS is in the process of restoring my 1967 GTO. Knowing Mike and Joe and their attention to detail the 67 GOAT should be sweet.
There are a lot off good engine builders out there. Shop around and determine who can best fulfill your needs.
Joe, stay off the forums and get to work on my GTO.
HD

 

[pronstar]

Merc all the way. I don't buy into the "for the money you would spend on a Merc motor, you can build some VERY nice one off power" bullshit

No way in hell a custom motor will last as long as a Merc motor under the same conditions.:thumbup:

What special parts or construction does Merc put into their moors, that no one else on earth is able to do?

 

[rivrrts429]

It's all going to come down to a relationship between builder and buyer. A good working relationship and realistic expectations between both can be money well spent.

Relationship and integrity are tangibles that can't be purchased. They either exist or they don't.

Merc has marketed themselves similar to what DeBeers has done with diamonds. Pound for pound your money is going to go farther with someone other than Merc. Their overhead/labor is tremendous. Their marketing budgets are enormous. Where do you think this money comes from?

Not knocking Merc at all. They back up their marketing with a quality product and support. But to say that there aren't other builders who can build a comparable motor to Merc is crazy talk and you haven't spent much time around a quality builder. Lots of names come to mine with buyers who know motors and don't run a Merc product by choice.

At the end of the day I'm going to purchase a motor from a builder who understands my expectations and values relationship. That very well could be a Merc product depending on what it's for but no way am I limiting my options to just them.

My next build doesn't fit into their product line so it not likely going to be Merc. I have a short list of guys I'd trust and I would put them against any Merc product.

 

[530RL]

I don't necessarily agree with this statement. Plenty of very well known and respected engine builders where boats pull top dollar used, Teague, Brummet, Peto and Sterling are some that come to mind.

Fair point as it does not apply to all buyers.

I agree that they build just as good as engines and in many cases better.

But when I talk to brokers, many buyers don't know or understand those names and so, they will pay more for the name brand Mercury.

Not saying they are better, just saying that the buyer market is bigger when it is the number one brand Mercury. That is just what brokers tell me.

But who really knows.

 

[TLAW719]

We went with Mercury racing this go around. If we re-powered and for sure on the next build we most likely won't go with Merc.

 

[28Eliminator]

What special parts or construction does Merc put into their moors, that no one else on earth is able to do?

They own the right to "Merc racing Blue" paint.... And they have their name on the valve covers/air cleaners [emoji13]

 

[djunkie]

New boat.....Mercury power (probably outboards)

Old boat custom power

What he said. If I was buying a new boat and could afford it I'd probably go merc power. Kinda depends on the boat though and what I would want it to do. And what I can afford.

 

[Racey]

Merc all the way. I don't buy into the "for the money you would spend on a Merc motor, you can build some VERY nice one off power" bullshit

No way in hell a custom motor will last as long as a Merc motor under the same conditions.:thumbup:

View attachment 416772

You'd be wrong there. I know of lots of custom motors that have way more hours on them than Merc ones, specifically about half a dozen Brummett NA 540 cubic inch EFI motors. Hell i have one in my shop right now that is pressing 20 years old and has never had anything done to it but Oil, water pump, and spark plug changes (and maybe only 3 of those in it's life), pump gas, runs like a top and makes a little more than 600 true horsepower, that's 600 hp on Brummett's dyno, which is the truth serum.

Have another Schiada down the street my Dad built, that probably has 600 hours, hell it may have more than that, could be closer to 1000, i'll have to look at the gauge next time i service the boat, on a carbed George Streigel (Clay Smith Cams), that motor is close to 30 years old, probably makes around 500 hp (Pre Aluminum Heads), and has also never had anything done to it but oil changes and plugs.

The guys down the street from me at All Season's have a handful of whipple motors they custom built that have very good track records as well. Mercury is using all the same parts, or inferior parts, when compared to quite a few custom builders. They don't have a monopoly on building motors to last. BBC's are very common, and there are lots of great parts out there, and pretty much everyone knows most of the tricks now to keep em lasting.

 

[530RL]

What special parts or construction does Merc put into their moors, that no one else on earth is able to do?

Are you saying that Merc products are Mulsims?

 

[530RL]

I guess another way to look at Rivermobster's question is, would you pay more, or choose a boat with big Merc power over another engine builder or would it not matter?

 

[Your ad here]

I don't know which vote to pick but I would go with a stock internal BBC. Hell I would go with a completely stock BBC marine engine. I'll have to gain trust in engine builders after what happened with the jet boat my brother and I bought. Picked up a used jet boat with a fresh bored and stroked 454 to 496. Previous owner had 2 trips on it after it was rebuilt. It snapped the crank the second day we had it and only put 10 hours on it. I did talk to the guy that built the engine and he seemed upset but we didn't pursue much after that.

 

[TLAW719]

Merc. has the 520,540 & 565 pkgs. Then the 600/700. Then they jump all the way to the 1100,1350,1650 pkgs. I wonder why they don't currently have something in the 800HP-1000HP range? For that reason, I've always liked the TCM825 & TCM985/1025 pkgs.:thumbup:

Yes exactly my thoughts. nothong against Merc, we went with the 520 this go around, but next one I'm thinking the TCM985. More power would be nice but I don't want to have to buy race gas. Although in my opinion a turbo engine around this power would be real cool too.

 

[Bigbore500r]

What special parts or construction does Merc put into their moors, that no one else on earth is able to do?

Nothing special, just quality parts branded through them with good assembly.
525 for example
-edelbrock marine aluminum heads
-forged pistons
-crane cam
-AZ speed and marine sourced intake manifold

496mag-
Stock GM 8.1 longblock cast with Merc part numbers!

 

[Gelcoater]

What special parts or construction does Merc put into their moors, that no one else on earth is able to do?

They're engines.

Not to say no one else on earth can do,maybe a bit of a stretch.How about 4v dohc big block based on GM architecture?Dont see too many 4v turbo big blocks.GM doesn't offer one,Merc offers 3.

 

[28Eliminator]

Nothing special, just quality parts branded through them with good assembly.
525 for example
-edelbrock marine aluminum heads
-forged pistons
-crane cam
-AZ speed and marine sourced intake manifold

496mag-
Stock GM 8.1 longblock cast with Merc part numbers!

Carb'd HP 500

GM HO 8.1 block
GM Dimple rods
GM forged crank
GM bearings
GM 088 325cc heads
SRP forged Pistons
Crane cam
Crane roller rockers
Crane springs
Dart intake
Holley 800cfm carb

The exhaust and peripherals are all Merc though [emoji13]

Oh, and badly out of round cylinder bores (Merc didn't bother using torque plates) [emoji57]

 

[TLAW719]

They're engines.

Not to say no one else on earth can do,maybe a bit of a stretch.How about 4v dohc big block based on GM architecture?Dont see too many 4v turbo big blocks.GM doesn't offer one,Merc offers 3.

Does GM need make OHC engines? I know with the ford OHC engines they get pricey to build.

 

[28Eliminator]

They're engines.

Not to say no one else on earth can do,maybe a bit of a stretch.How about 4v dohc big block based on GM architecture?Dont see too many 4v turbo big blocks.GM doesn't offer one,Merc offers 3.

Ok, you got us there [emoji20]

 

[Bigbore500r]

Does GM need make OHC engines? I know with the ford OHC engines they get pricey to build.

4v heads allow bigger flow numbers with tamer camshaft profiles and smaller duration numbers. 2 smaller intake valves can flow more than one huge one, especialy at low lift. 4 valves can make better use of the combustion chamber space available. Notice you dont hear those 1350's idling high or loping at all.
But it is way more expensive, and GM has very efficient 2v head designs in the LS and now LT motors that make it unneccesary to do 4v production motors on their V8's
Those Merc QC4V motors are bad ass though for sure....when cost is no object the 4v OHC BBC delivers the goods