GEN VI 502 to 540

[HP350SC]

Question for Infomaniac, Fiat48, cstraub69 (or anyone else) What is the most reasonably priced and reliable way to go to 540 with the GM block. I wouldn't need to turn over 5500 rpm or so and would the 3.3 whipple be enough? I know I would need crank, rods and dished pistons, rings, blower cam....what else? Specific part numbers and brands would be great :) Thanks in advance, Mike.

[Infomaniac]

Search flatlander racing for a kit. Dustin Whipple does not recommend a single 3.3 for a 540. It is out of it's effeciency range to fill the cylinders completely with optimum low compression. You will need to keep the compression up around 8.5ish which I personally do not like to do.
Many people do that combo and they do run. :)

[cstraub]

How much power are you after. . .I know as much as you can get!!!! What kind of power. 600 to 650 out of a 540CID engine that is reliable is obtainable with a NA set up.
Chris

[Infomaniac]

He has a whippled HP500 now.

[HP350SC]

Info- I would not be opposed to running 8.5:1 if that's what I have to do. Mainly worried about stock piston life right now @9 lbs. boost :rolleyes: Figured might as well bump displacement while apart for pistons. Can't afford switching to quad rotor yet. In the interest of cost, would the stock heads work OK? cstraub- What kind of clearancing is necessary, oil pan rails or cam area?

[HP350SC]

Info- Maybe a compromise around 522 cu in. and a bit lower compression would be better?

[HP350SC]

OK flatlander says $1900 for crank, rods, J&E pistons and ARP rod bolts. Still need rings, cam, bearings, gaskets, machine work...could I keep valve lift about the same as stock and just change LSA and duration?

[Infomaniac]

cstraub69 can spec out a cam for your unique application.
I just did 2 HP500 to 540's, Only had to clearance one of the blocks in 2 places, stock oil pan works. no cam clearance problems.

[cstraub]

Okay, we need serious power.
Pistons, I would pay the extra $15 a hole and get coated tops
Bearings: Spend the extra $150 and get coated bearings.
Rod/Stroke: Be sure you are getting a 6.385" long rod kit. They make some 6.135" kits but you will spend $500 getting the crank balanced.
Heads: you can make good power with them, but a set of aftermarket sure make things more easy.
Chris

[HP350SC]

Great information, keep it coming!

[FastTimmy]

DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME...
What ever you don't pay for the first time, you will for sure pay for it the second time.......
My words of wisdom!!
Timmy

[bigkatboat]

Why not save the 'blower money' and buy a nice block? The internal parts to make a 598" motor are only slightly more (pistons) than the 540" stuff. Then buy a 'Dart' block and have a nice N/A, EFI motor? Make torque, save money, play more! When you go 'bigger', than 598", the costs go way UP! They do work very nicely in I/O's. Lot's of low end torque, if 'cammed' correctly. :idea:

[jackpunx]

this is a good thread.. Im stuck in the same place as hp350..
its either go with more compression and stay with the single or jump to quad.. I have heard if you run good internals.. it should work well with the added compression instead of the lack of volume in the single.. Does anyone have that experience?

[flat broke]

Why not sell the single to buy a quadrotor and then buy lower CR pistons. Puff real hard on the 502? Short of that, I'd say price the package you really want. Obviously you have some disposable income or you wouldn't be doing this. If thats the case, and the stuff you have runs right now, just save a little longer to buy all the parts you really want. Otherwise what Timmy said will be true. Been there, done that.
Chris

[jackpunx]

Why not sell the single to buy a quadrotor and then buy lower CR pistons. Puff real hard on the 502? Short of that, I'd say price the package you really want. Obviously you have some disposable income or you wouldn't be doing this. If thats the case, and the stuff you have runs right now, just save a little longer to buy all the parts you really want. Otherwise what Timmy said will be true. Been there, done that.
Chris
well.. I wouldnt go as far as "disposable income".. but to say the least.. My priorities are a little scewed when it comes to the boat.. LOL..
I am a big Fan of what Timmy said.. Iknow from my own experience.. if I dont do it right the first time.. or if I dont go all out and do what I wanted on the first pass.. I'll do it again.. and it will cost twice as much.... thank god for Credit..lol

[RACER52]

7.5 to 1 cr
quadrotor
10lbs boost on pump gas
you will love it
Racer

[jackpunx]

7.5 to 1 cr
quadrotor
10lbs boost on pump gas
you will love it
Racer
is that about 1100 hp?