I just started my dream project, a 69 chevelle that I bought a Bill Mitchell 509 with aluminum heads for. I would like to know if anyone out their has done the same, that is use one of his BB motors. I've got a few questions but the big one is how do you like the motor?

I'm also interested.....I'm thinking about maybe dropping in a 540 hp 509 (when funds permit) for track use.

Bill Mitchells tech support leaves alot to be desired.I know several people with his motors and all seem to have issues.I dont want to be a jerk,but that seems to be a question to ask prior to your purchase.Good Luck.
Vinny

I purchased the iron head 509. Dyno sheet showed 575 hp. It started right up and have not had any problems so far....but have not really pushed it yet. It runs on the rich side for now but will address that when I get correct rear gear and go for fine tuning. I cannot speak for the tech department....I haven't needed their help so far. At this point I am pleased that I purchased the 509.

FOSS

Bill Mitchells tech support leaves alot to be desired.I know several people with his motors and all seem to have issues.I dont want to be a jerk,but that seems to be a question to ask prior to your purchase.Good Luck.
Vinny

Wow, man I just got thru reading that Mike Hartwell's posts about how his 427 sbc developed a knock at only 50 miles and the oil pressure dropped signifigantly and then Bill Mitchell giving him the run around and refusing to warrant the defects......this and hearing other things by other members really makes me reconsider wanting to purchase a Merlin engine after all. Hell I wonder how they're even still in buisness. :confused:

On the other hand, I also read some old posts on how everyone seemed to think the 572 was too expensive for what it was and how they could build the same engine with more power for less. The other gripe was the 572 was a tall block and required specially made headers to work properly.

Now I can only wonder how people feel about the 502 GMPP engines? I see they don't come with a fuel pump boss so an electric pump is mandatory.

Keep in mind that the 572 comes complete including carb,dist,water pump,ign wires,oil pan and flex plate.When I shopped Mitchell and Schaffiroff a comparable combo that put out the same HP was 14995,so the 572 was cheaper.
Vinny

I think it's just like anything else. They are production line motors. You can't keep pumping them out and keep up with sales and not have production issues. Some people get lucky and get good motors and some get lemons. I feel even though it's easy and maybe cheaper, it's still better to collect the parts and build what you want. Look at the car dealers, how many recalls and service bulletins do they have on vehicles they have been building for years.

Yeah but what do you say when you buy a new car with a defect from the get go and then the manufacturer refuses to warrant it by trying to say "Oh, it must be something you have done to it?

Then to make matters worse they're over on the other side of the country from where you live, so it's mainly phone calls and such, no face-to-face talk...and eventually you have to revert to hiring Lawyers and such...

Read some of Mike H's posts....if what all was said in the posts is indeed true it's enough to make me steer clear of anything that's not so hardcore....especially an engine builder looking to welsh his way out of making the wrong things right.

If it blew up due to my abuse/neglect, then ok....so be it. My fault. If it blew up due to factory defect then I expect the manufactuer to fix it. I don't spend thousands and thousands of dollars only to be treated like a 2nd rate citizen and then be given the run around when a part is defective from the get go just because the manufactuer would rather weasel his way out rather than pay up and perhaps spare his reputation.

No the dealerships use "TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM" which basically is saying you must be imagining it. Bring it back when it's on fire. Also who's going to admit they did something wrong. Let me give you an example. Using Joe's engine building. A person brings the biggest piece of junk to a machine shop and wants it done but not assembled. Joe machines to the best of his ability and gives it back to the owner, who then proceeds to assemble it with the cheapest pieces he can finds, and in his shed with a dirt floor. He puts the motor in the car and hits it with 250hp nitrous. On the 3 run it blows up. Who does he tell his friends did the motor? JOE! This is where it is hard for machine shops to build reputations, and for builders to trust customers.

http://www.sallack.com/Product_Warnings.html

Found this on the net....scary.

I saw the site and then went to The Mitchell site. I don't know if it was changed at all but it says no where that nodular caps are stronger. It says that nodular caps have advantages over billet caps, like improved bearing wear. It then says in high power application the billet splayed caps should be used. Also the guy whose engine blew up said that happened after 50 races, 50 laps I could see a defect. After 50 races those motors take a lot of abuse, with qualifying and practice at every race, and they are in and out of the throttle constantly. I'm sure the bottom end of the block was moving a lot and finally gave. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not defending anybody, all I'm saying is that there is 2 or more sides to all engine stories and you have to look at everything. Trust me I've seen an engine that "spun a bearing", but on analysis of the oil there was no burning. It was found that the owner forgot to put the oil in before starting.

Try Sallee chevrolet they have an awesome rep. and give great phone too. I bought a 502 that has about 635 hp. The price was good to. Ralph