Mercury Project X - any sneak peeks?

[Kevin8675309]

Merc is pretty tight lipped about their new line of 4 strokes. Has any one seen any under cowl pic's or any technical information that has leaked out? I know they are being released likely at the Miami Boat Show, but I always like to be in the know before the mass populous.<br /><br />I did however get a chance to see and hear one running at an bass event .. wow! Merc looks to leapfrog the "also rans" for the next 5 years.

 

[qmmaster]

Re: Mercury Project X - any sneak peeks?

I've been trying to get as much info as possible myself. I've heard it's going to be a supercharged 4 stroke with 266 hp at the prop. I think it's all but confirmed it will be released at the miami boat show. I think Merc. may have even had a release that mentioned that but I'm not positive. I just sold a pair of '01 Opti's and will be waiting for the new ones to come in. I've already told my dealer to put me down as first on the list. I've spoken to 2 people that have been on a center console with a pair and they said they were unbelievable. Needless to say I'm looking forward to them!

 

[dick]

Re: Mercury Project X - any sneak peeks?

Heard it's based on a GMC/Chev alluminum inline 6 like the engines in the Envoes, and yes super charged.

 

[qmmaster]

Re: Mercury Project X - any sneak peeks?

Here's a link that shows a picture of the new outboard. <br /><br /> http://espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/s/b_news_030731_classic_mercury_4stroke.html

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Mercury Project X - any sneak peeks?

I read a piece on em a while back... Merc says that the rumor of merc using the GM inline 6 block is not true... Merc says the block, head, crank, everything is made by Merc (i doubt they are making the superchargers in house).. Definately forced induction, which makes me a happy guy... <br /><br />May end up changing my opinion on outboards, pending these do good out in the real world, especially with reguards to fuel economy at cruise speed..

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Mercury Project X - any sneak peeks?

I think it was around july that Bass&Walleye boats done the performance runs on the Newest Merc 4-stroke, but they were not allowed to "un-cowl" at that time. They had fuel figures, speeds, the whole works. I do remember them saying (B&WB's) that the sound indicated forced induction in some form.<br /> Maybe some remember this, but when chevy re-introduced the corvette, the engine was built by Mercury Marine.......maybe that's how the rumors got started about the block being used....????

 

[dick]

Re: Mercury Project X - any sneak peeks?

To engineer a block from scatch today base on nothing is very big deal and would cost a Whole lot more the the rights to a few patents. I'll be very suprized if they arn't using someone's engine as a base.Just look at Japan's 4 strokes. Even the main and rod bearings say Ford in the 75-115 Mercury 4stk ob's.

 

[P.V.]

Re: Mercury Project X - any sneak peeks?

The rumor mill started some time ago that Merc would be perhaps using the new in-line 6 cylinder powerhead that Checy uses in the new Trailblazer. Makes approx. 275 hp. BUT, then Merc then said no! they would use their own block, crank, pistons, etc... not affiliated with Chevy at all. Eventually they would cut off cylinders and make lesser hp. or ,for example, take off the blower, turbo, nitris oxide,..... They better hurry up and get this thing right, or Suki, Yamy and Hondo will pass them bye....I hear that due to a different type of mounting bracket (trim,fly-by-wire shifting/throttle and steering concerns) boat builders and dealers will have to mount/rig this engine with more precision! It probably won't be cheap!! These things are certinaly getting complicated!!

 

[dick]

Re: Mercury Project X - any sneak peeks?

Well merc still has 2 years left with Yamaha to supply them with the 225hp ob so even when they Introduce it don't expect to pick one up the next day.We all remember the first Opti's and Fichts.I'm sure this time merc won't send it out untill they got all the bugs out, after all they have the time.<br />One of the biggest problems is that the Yamaha/Merc 225's arn't Smartcraft or DTS (digital throtle shift ) compatible and probbly never would be.<br />The rigging will be made easier with the use of on CAN cable that will do it all.<br />The stuff that Merc is doing to speed up installation is pretty good, not to get of topic but all hose connections from the water to trim to power steering hoses on the Mercruser will of the quick connect type ,like air line fittings.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Mercury Project X - any sneak peeks?

If I were Mercury I would push this with all reasonable haste. Jackson racing developed superchargers for the 1.6, 1.8, and 2.2 litre 4-cylinder Honda VTEC and also the V6 Honda VTEC automotive engines. The supercharger is an Eaton blower. These are in wide use as a popular ~$3K aftermarket gofast. If I ever get a bonus I may put one on my GSR. As most of the Honda outboards are based on their automotive blocks I don't think it would be hard for the factory to mass produce these in a hurry if they had a market incentive. Honda engines with blowers have been studied to death, and the stock bottom ends of these engines will easily withstand the rigors of a blower. Honda has had forced induction engines in their CART engines for years. Mercury better hurry (and do it right).