Gen VI block to 540ci?
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Drifting
Joined: May 2001
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Gen VI block to 540ci?
Can you get a bore of 4.5" and a stroke of 4.25 out of a Gen VI block? I was wondering cause I saw a post which had a link to http://www.allchevyengines.com and they have a 540ci crate engine made out of a gen VI block. Cause if thats the case I don't see why I would shell out the cash for a merlin block when I can get a gen VI at lower cost.
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Re: Gen VI block to 540ci? (Lohkay)
Yes you can, but......
1) Gen VI uses one piece rear seal. You either have to buy the adapter and pay to have it installed for a two piece seal or pay the extra $$$ to get a one piece seal crank. $150-200 total.
2) Gen VI has no provision for mechanical fuel pump or the clutch linkage ball if you need them.
3) Gen VI uses special oil pan. They are available but cost more.
4) GEN VI double roller timing chain sets are harder to find.($$$) Most folks stay with the large single roller that is stock, plus you either have to run stock plastic timing cover, drill holes and adapt regular one, or pay $$$ for special cover.
5) A new Gen VI is what.... $900+. Get it bored, add in seal adapter, pay extra for pan, deal with pump and clutch issues and you are awful close to a Merlin. I looked at all those options when I was building mine, and the Merlin won hands down.
6) The Merlin is one heck of a chunk of iron. It is a much better base to start with by far.
Jim
1) Gen VI uses one piece rear seal. You either have to buy the adapter and pay to have it installed for a two piece seal or pay the extra $$$ to get a one piece seal crank. $150-200 total.
2) Gen VI has no provision for mechanical fuel pump or the clutch linkage ball if you need them.
3) Gen VI uses special oil pan. They are available but cost more.
4) GEN VI double roller timing chain sets are harder to find.($$$) Most folks stay with the large single roller that is stock, plus you either have to run stock plastic timing cover, drill holes and adapt regular one, or pay $$$ for special cover.
5) A new Gen VI is what.... $900+. Get it bored, add in seal adapter, pay extra for pan, deal with pump and clutch issues and you are awful close to a Merlin. I looked at all those options when I was building mine, and the Merlin won hands down.
6) The Merlin is one heck of a chunk of iron. It is a much better base to start with by far.
Jim
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Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Frisco, TX
Re: Gen VI block to 540ci? (Lohkay)
Lohkay,
I second Jim's opinion on the Merlin Block. I was able to compare the two side by side while waiting on the machinist to finish my block. The Merlin II has a hell of a lot more "meat" than the the Gen VI. It also has a higher nickel content which makes for a stronger block. The machinist complained that he had to go slower when boring it because of the higher nickel content. There is no question that the Merlin is a better block, but the Gen VI might serve your needs just fine. Do some comparison shopping and see what kind of deals you can get on both. Check Flatlander Racing, I was able to get most of the parts for my 540 for a significant discount compared to the big boys like Summit or Jegs.
Good Luck.
I second Jim's opinion on the Merlin Block. I was able to compare the two side by side while waiting on the machinist to finish my block. The Merlin II has a hell of a lot more "meat" than the the Gen VI. It also has a higher nickel content which makes for a stronger block. The machinist complained that he had to go slower when boring it because of the higher nickel content. There is no question that the Merlin is a better block, but the Gen VI might serve your needs just fine. Do some comparison shopping and see what kind of deals you can get on both. Check Flatlander Racing, I was able to get most of the parts for my 540 for a significant discount compared to the big boys like Summit or Jegs.
Good Luck.
