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How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?

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Old 11-14-2004, 03:23 PM
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Default 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
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Old 11-14-2004, 04:52 PM
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Default 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.
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Old 11-14-2004, 07:00 PM
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Default Re: How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?

Audiofn,
I built a set of 454's with the 269cc oval port merlin's for my 311 that made 530 HP and pushed the boat to 74 MPH in fresh water.
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Old 11-14-2004, 07:02 PM
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Default Re: How much HP reliably with Oval port Merlin Heads?

Here is the dyno sheet.
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Old 11-15-2004, 07:03 AM
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Default 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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Old 11-15-2004, 07:25 AM
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Default 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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Old 11-15-2004, 07:44 AM
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Default 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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Old 11-15-2004, 08:34 AM
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Default 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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Old 11-15-2004, 08:38 AM
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Default 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.
I want to run the crank that is in it (we are assuming it is stock 4" stroke.)

The exhaust that I plan to run is a Mercuiser/Gill set up.

Jon
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Old 11-15-2004, 09:17 AM
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Default 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

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