496/8100
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I just found out there is a guy that lives about two blocks from me, who owns a '67 Camaro SS/RS he bought new in '66. It's a resto-ored car with...get this...
...a late model 8100. I'll be going to check it out this weekend so I'll be sure to get pics of his install.
...a late model 8100. I'll be going to check it out this weekend so I'll be sure to get pics of his install.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
I haven't seen where Mercruiser is using the 502? Only been seeing the 8100 in the spec sheets I've looked at, but am no boat expert by any means. I've been looking into runabouts/ski boats and seems to be the high end available engine. I've driven a 3/4 ton pickup with the 8100, and was very impressed. I think this is a dynamite idea, good manners, decent gas mileage, reliability, and brutal grunt when you need it. The theme doesn't really jive if you need a massive cowl hood though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
The 8.1 would be great for a low rpm highway cruiser. TW, I meant low end torque.
Merc had offered the 502 in 390, 500, and 525hp versions. The 502 is also the block used for their 575, 600, and 700 hp supercharged motors. And the tall deck is the block in their 900 and 1075 hp supercharged motors. Not sure what they're ofering this year, but almost all of these are still available from boat dealers.
The 496s are only offered up to 425 hp and operate at a lower rpm range.
I guess if you want to tow, get a 496, if you want to race, get a 502.
Gary
Merc had offered the 502 in 390, 500, and 525hp versions. The 502 is also the block used for their 575, 600, and 700 hp supercharged motors. And the tall deck is the block in their 900 and 1075 hp supercharged motors. Not sure what they're ofering this year, but almost all of these are still available from boat dealers.
The 496s are only offered up to 425 hp and operate at a lower rpm range.
I guess if you want to tow, get a 496, if you want to race, get a 502.
Gary
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I will be getting some measurements too as I'm wondering if the 8100 will fit under an L88 hood, and if the accessories can be modified to fit between the A-arms if there is a clearance issue.
I have seen two different accessory configurations, and one looked like it would fit just fine, and the other did not.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
IMHO, a Corvette needs a horsepower engine, not a torque pig. They're light enough that you don't need a ton of torque to get 'em moving and it can actually be a hindrance since it will make traction an issue - and if traction isn't an issue, your IRS may be. I think these would be great for 4000lbs Chevelles, Monte Carlos and trucks but Corvettes scream for higher rpm horsepower - at least mine does!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
From: Ashley Michigan
The whole reason I'm looking at the 496 is affordability and fuel injection. If I was looking at racing- I wouldn't go with a 502, I'd go with a 540 or a 598. I'd definitely change the cam to begin with, and then later on maybe some heads, as money permits. And the higher rpm screamer would come later.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
What kind of prices did you find on the 496. I have not seen a crate version for sale yet.
The whole reason I'm looking at the 496 is affordability and fuel injection. If I was looking at racing- I wouldn't go with a 502, I'd go with a 540 or a 598. I'd definitely change the cam to begin with, and then later on maybe some heads, as money permits. And the higher rpm screamer would come later.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
No pics from the guys Mustang. Turns out it's an old 496, not a new one. Nice project car though.
I have priced some complete motors and found lots in the $2500 range so that's a good deal.
I have priced some complete motors and found lots in the $2500 range so that's a good deal.
