4 bbl. carb for Merc 5.0 L

[sprice59]

I currently own a 1998 Sea Ray 210 bowrider with a 5.0 L merc/Alpha 1. I want to get a little more performance out of it...maybe increase top speed/reduce planing time. I have added a stainless steal prop but no other enhancements. Top speed is 44 mph and time to plane is about 5 to 6 seconds.<br />I've looked into Smart Tabs to decrease the planing time but the boat has a built-in swim platform and extends too far down on the transom to mount the hydraulic piston.<br />Any of you pros here think I could benefit from adding a 4 bbl. carb? Boat is currently equipped with a 2 bbl. Would also need to replace the intake manifold right?<br />Am thinking about buying a Baja next year and just forget trying to make this boat into a speedster.

 

[tommays]

Re: 4 bbl. carb for Merc 5.0 L

what is your current WOT you will get the best bang for the buck with the prop that lets you get as close to your WOT rateing as possable<br /><br />you can add a lot of parts but it takes a big HP boost to ba able to push a bigger prop at the correct WOT which is the only way your going faster<br /><br />tommays

 

[sprice59]

Re: 4 bbl. carb for Merc 5.0 L

My current WOT rpm is 4500. The recommended WOT is between 4400 and 4800. The prop size is 14x19 pitch. I also have an aluminum prop that's 14x21 pith but it will only pull 4300 rpm at WOT. It will plane just slightly quicker with the 14x21 but afraid of overworking engine due to insuficient rpm's at WOT.

 

[tommays]

Re: 4 bbl. carb for Merc 5.0 L

to get the most speed and all around performance out of the boat you should look towards getting the 4800 rpm out of the motor 300 rpm would help quite a bit<br /><br />merc has a custom prop shop as well as many other different types of 3,4 and 5 blade props if you dont have a local prop expert who would work with you it may be the best bet<br /><br /> http://www.mercurymarine.com/chapter_1_-_history__development <br /><br />the merc shop can be found on mercs web site and have a lot of no how on many different boats <br /><br />for my own boat were max top speed is not my number 1 need i get the best results from running under proped by 1 size it allows very fast planeing ,stays on plane at lower speeds much better,gets beter MPG at the speeds i run and the boat is smother and more pleasent to crusie in for my family<br /><br />tommays

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: 4 bbl. carb for Merc 5.0 L

Well the smart thing to do would be to get the best prop on what you have, and get a speed boat to satisfy those high speed urges. With that said, if you really want to "screw with" this boat, get a high rise manifold from Merc, and a four barrel. Then go to "thru hull" exhaust. After spending 2-3 grand, you will have added 20-25 horsepower, and probably gained 5 mph. In my book....not worth it.