• Welcome to the Checkmate Community Forums forums.

    You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions, articles and access to our other FREE features.
    By joining our free community you will be able to:

    » Interact with over 10,000 Checkmate Fanatics from around the world!
    » Post topics and messages
    » Post and view photos
    » Communicate privately with other members
    » Access our extensive gallery of old Checkmate brochures located in our Media Gallery
    » Browse the various pictures in our Checkmate photo gallery

    Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

    If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact support by clicking here or by using the"contact us" link at the bottom of the page.

Build or buy used stock engine?

illMATTic

illMATTic

Well-known member
It's no secret we all want to go faster on the water. My question is two part...

What does it cost to have a shop build a 454/496/502 with reliable 450 hp? (I realize this is a broad question)

Given the choice would you build one or buy an ultra low hour stock takeout?


No LS talk. I'm not into throwing money away. ha ha ;)
 
I know. I was leaning toward a factory engine just for simplicity. Even if I have one built Ill need new accessories. I just have no clue what a build would cost.
 
Although I've been fighting the urge to source a good BBC core, and build up a 540: I have zero experience with marine engine building. Only limited experience with automotive engine building. And I know machining isn't cheap. Nor are parts. And reputable engine builders didn't become reputable by cutting corners and using cheap parts.

Have you investigated any of the shops in the area? I haven't, but I know there are a few in Michigan that build marine engines. Just don't know anyone that has had first hand experience with them.

Lot's of places online. Here's one: http://www.nyesautomotive.net/540__Marine.html

Maybe more HP than you are looking for, but...

If my carb'd 454 ever goes KABANG, I'll probably just look for a low hour, drop in 502 EFI Mag.

I'm getting older and lazier by the year. Lately, I've found it much easier to just write checks, than get my fingernails dirty...
 
Hack said:
Although I've been fighting the urge to source a good BBC core, and build up a 540: I have zero experience with marine engine building. Only limited experience with automotive engine building. And I know machining isn't cheap. Nor are parts. And reputable engine builders didn't become reputable by cutting corners and using cheap parts.

Have you investigated any of the shops in the area? I haven't, but I know there are a few in Michigan that build marine engines. Just don't know anyone that has had first hand experience with them.

Lot's of places online. Here's one: http://www.nyesautomotive.net/540__Marine.html

Maybe more HP than you are looking for, but...

If my carb'd 454 ever goes KABANG, I'll probably just look for a low hour, drop in 502 EFI Mag.

I'm getting older and lazier by the year. Lately, I've found it much easier to just write checks, than get my fingernails dirty...
Click to expand...

Same here. I have no clue where to start on a build. I am capable of doing the swap and accessories/boltons.

I am hoping someone who has paid to have a long block built will chime in.

Used anything is a crap shoot these days. Been there with countless outboards. Big blocks cost too much to be screwing around with all season.
 
"build" and "reliable" doesn't always seem to go together.
I've read so many stories here about guy's weekend going bad because of the build they had to work on.
I'm with rngrdve, buy a stock well built marine motor that's been proven.
I'm going on 20 years with my hp500 and I don't want to even freshen it up for fear of something breaking it's reliability streak.
 
I don't see why kicking a 502 up to 450ish HP would completely ruin its reliability. When talking aftermarket parts and builds, go to a builder and you can utilize thier experience of what parts work best together or not. I've been kicking around the idea of selling off my 502 in the spring in favor of a swap. I'm local and the boat is in storage until April.
 
If your 454 or 502 is in good condition to start with its not hard to make more than 450. Is it efi or carb? I built a 502 efi for a customer for less than 5k,best of everything, ecu teflash,custom cam with ls firing order,did already have 496 exhaust. If your engine is lower hours and doesn't need rebuild, go procharger.
 
My boat had my custom motor when I bought it and if I had to do it all over again I'd buy a boat with a merc motor. My motor has been out twice the last one was full rebuild. Plus I destroyed my bravo X once and had to have it rebuilt. Probably 12-15 grand later and everything was right for a few weekends. Then last time down at the lake fuel pump went out. No I didn't have one and it was supposed to be a quick ride so back in the garage it went.
Hoping for a better year next year but take it from a guy that has said it every winter the past three years and it hasn't happened yet. The things awesome when it's right but I would definitely trade the days I haven't boated because something went wrong for a boat that runs every time out. Even if it does mean going 20 mph slower. I wouldn't change anything major on a merc motor. Throw a blower on one maybe a lot of guys have a lot of luck with that. I'm a hot rod guy. Love big power. But when it comes to the boat, reliability is way more important than going fast. Just my 2 cents.
This next year is it's last chance. Any time not boating and I'll be looking for a merc 502 or something I can drop in.
 
Yes I would rebuild what you have. If your content at 450hp that should be easily done. Its almost impossible to find a complete low hour marine big block for less that $5-6000. Ron has a very good buddy up your way Smitty that might be your best bet. I bet it would be easily done for less than a used motor. I am in the middle of rejuvinating my motor and ended up taking it to Millets. Now if it were summer and wanting to get back on the water quick that would be different. Keep us posted.
 
Last edited:
fast94persuader said:
...I would definitely trade the days I haven't boated because something went wrong for a boat that runs every time out. Even if it does mean going 20 mph slower....
Click to expand...

addictions_zpskpgfgcfn.jpg

And that pretty much sums things up. When you have a limited boating season, limited time to utilize your boat, and are like most, limited resources: Reliability trumps performance in most (if not all) cases.
 
My current 454 has 650 hours on it. Runs like a top and uses no oil. Id just like some more power. It's a non MAG so it would need everything.

I'd be perfectly happy with a stock 502 power.
 
This might perk your interest: https://www.offshoreonly.com/classifieds/mercury-525efi-o67788.html

Don't know if your present accessories will bolt on.

Or this one: https://www.offshoreonly.com/classifieds/525-sc-mercruiser-boat-engine-complete-o67700.html

One of the problems I have, is my hull needs a lot of cosmetic help. And I paid under $10k for the boat/trailer. Hard to see me putting all that and more into a bigger/powerful engine. And I really think an outboard powered bowrider (or old school jet boat) is in my future, due to the shallowness of the lake I boat on..
 
We do 50 or more hours a season here. I want something I can run 300 - 400 hours without any issues.

We shall see. As soon as the wind changes I may have a different idea. ha ha
 
Only thing on the 500 is valve springs every 300 or so. I need to replace mine, they've been in my office all season...
 
Problem Child said:
Yes I would rebuild what you have. If your content at 450hp that should be easily done. Its almost impossible to find a complete low hour marine big block for less that $5-6000. Ron has a very good buddy up your way Smitty that might be your best bet. I bet it would be easily done for less than a used motor. I am in the middle of rejuvinating my motor and ended up taking it to Millets. Now if it were summer and wanting to get back on the water quick that would be different. Keep us posted.
Click to expand...

He actually has a brand new ZZ502 long block for sale right now. Really nice motor and stock GM reliability of gen6 roller motor at 500hp along with plenty of capability for future upgrades. Smitty's Engines and Trans in Vassar. Put your accessories on it and go.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top