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View Full Version : Bye Bye HP500 EFI :(



Freak
06-10-2004, 08:35 AM
.09.04—MERCURY RACING DROPPING THREE ENGINES FROM LINEUP: Once the backbone of the Mercury Racing engine line, the HP500EFI will be discontinued in 2005. Also on the chopping block for the coming model-year are the HP575SCi and Scorpion 377 power plants. Despite the discontinuations, however, the Fond du Lac, Wisc., company will continue to stock parts for the engines.
"The 525 is, by far, our most popular engine," said Rick Mackie of Mercury Racing. "It's just taken over in consumer use and racing. With everything it offers, it's a pretty good value."

Tab
06-10-2004, 08:42 AM
So the only blue engines left at that point will be the 525 and the 1075? That's a big gap.....Any rumors of anything new coming in blue??????????? :-)

Freak
06-10-2004, 09:07 AM
Well the 500 going away was kinda old news but worth mentioning again.
Now the elimination of the 575 will leave Mercury Racing with a significant gap between its 525-plus-hp HP525EFI and its supercharged 1,075-hp HP1075SCi engines. Mackie said the company is currently developing an engine to fill the void.
So that is all Merc is saying right now. The problem I see is they dont really have a drive that can handle say 750hp that is cost effective. The 5 could but it's big and expensive. Just my guess.
Mercury Racing is currently backlogged with orders for the HP525EFI. Mackie said the company hopes to be caught up by the end of this month.

Essex502
06-10-2004, 10:07 AM
Where did you find this info...I searched the 'net and can't find that.
Hopefully, they will discontinue it AFTER I order my next HP500. I don't particularly like all that soot crap on the back of a boat and until they sort out the ECM and fuel curve I won't be buying a HP525. I'll go aftermarket first.

Freak
06-10-2004, 10:33 AM
Originally posted by Essex502
Where did you find this info...I searched the 'net and can't find that.
Hopefully, they will discontinue it AFTER I order my next HP500. I don't particularly like all that soot crap on the back of a boat and until they sort out the ECM and fuel curve I won't be buying a HP525. I'll go aftermarket first.
Front page news.
http://www.powerboatmag.com/

Dave C
06-10-2004, 12:34 PM
For more than $25,000 I'm not sure I agree with the "value" portion of this statement. this can be done aftermarket with EFI for much less with better parts & EFI.
"With everything it offers, it's a pretty good value."

Essex502
06-10-2004, 01:05 PM
Well like I said...hope I can get a HP500 before they stop shipping them.

Tab
06-12-2004, 09:19 PM
I got a 500 ordered on a new 28'. Just wondering if I should spend the addt'l $4K for 525 given that I'll use the boat in the ocean approx 50% of the time??

HighRoller
06-12-2004, 09:23 PM
What happened to the SC800 and 900? For 25,000, a 525HP fuel injected engine is not really a bargain. You could get 500-800HP for the same price from another builder if you're smart!

Kilrtoy
06-12-2004, 09:37 PM
You can get another engine else where,
But I have yet to hear of merc NOT backing up their product, I have heard of other builders NOT backing up their own stuff time and time again

Freak
06-13-2004, 05:01 AM
Originally posted by Tab
I got a 500 ordered on a new 28'. Just wondering if I should spend the addt'l $4K for 525 given that I'll use the boat in the ocean approx 50% of the time??
I would for one big reason - closed cooling. Salt water and metal never mix well and no worries about junk getting in the system.

Havaparty
06-13-2004, 05:59 AM
Originally posted by Tab
I got a 500 ordered on a new 28'. Just wondering if I should spend the addt'l $4K for 525 given that I'll use the boat in the ocean approx 50% of the time??
Tab, Those 525's are on a major backorder right now and would take several weeks to ship. This has been an ongoing problem all year. Just thought I'd let you know what I've been going through this year. See ya

Havasu_Dreamin
06-13-2004, 05:59 PM
Originally posted by Havaparty
Tab, Those 525's are on a major backorder right now and would take several weeks to ship. This has been an ongoing problem all year. Just thought I'd let you know what I've been going through this year. See ya
We had no problems getting our 525 in February, perhaps that was before the problems with the backorders.

Three Days Only
06-13-2004, 08:42 PM
Originally posted by HighRoller
What happened to the SC800 and 900? For 25,000, a 525HP fuel injected engine is not really a bargain. You could get 500-800HP for the same price from another builder if you're smart!
Your paying for a 1 year no hassle, they will fix it warranty.

Three Days Only
06-13-2004, 08:43 PM
Originally posted by Tab
I got a 500 ordered on a new 28'. Just wondering if I should spend the addt'l $4K for 525 given that I'll use the boat in the ocean approx 50% of the time??
If your going to be out in the salt 50% of the time, closed cooling is the ticket. The only bummer about the 525 is all the soot on the back of the boat, it's a major pain in the ass.

OutCole'd
06-13-2004, 08:45 PM
Originally posted by Three Days Only
If your going to be out in the salt 50% of the time, closed cooling is the ticket. The only bummer about the 525 is all the soot on the back of the boat, it's a major pain in the ass.
I've got 25 hours on mine, and it seems like it's getting better. Still sucks though. Is Merc poing to come out with a fix?

Freak
06-14-2004, 03:12 AM
Another good thing about the 525 is it is underated. People say it's more like 535-545hp.

DOHARA
06-14-2004, 04:32 AM
My buddy's 525 with 13hrs on it spun a rod bearing idleing in the marina. Merc is saying they will replace with a short block only. Is that normal or should it be a complete long block and R&R?