Raylar LSM550...any feedback

[spilman]

What's the latest word on these sb's? Anyone know how they perform...has anyone heard of problems? Just curious since they came out this spring and were supposed to be a big seller; I have yet to hear or see them on the water...

 

[yesrej]

thats a good point. i would like to hear something also???

 

[spilman]

Guess they never sold any?!

 

[4mulafastech]

Hey there Spilman!:seeya: I just found my way over here. This is my first 'serious' post!

The only LSM550 installation I am aware of is from that pokerrunboats outfit in the EU. They installed one in a 271 Fastech which, IMO, is probably not the best application since the CG will be effected quite a bit and it is a HEAVY 27 footer. I think we will have to wait until spring for a performance report on that rig.

It really does surprise me though that Raylar, after putting so much R&D time and money into developing this marinized LS engine, has not spent the money to install these in a boat for test reports and promotion in magazines.:huh: Boats already designed to have twin small blocks (like ours!) would be perfect candidates. Until actual performance gains and durability are demonstrated, it's going to be hard to justify the $$'s. Until then we can just dream and :drool5:!

 

[spilman]

Hey there Spilman!:seeya: I just found my way over here. This is my first 'serious' post!

The only LSM550 installation I am aware of is from that pokerrunboats outfit in the EU. They installed one in a 271 Fastech which, IMO, is probably not the best application since the CG will be effected quite a bit and it is a HEAVY 27 footer. I think we will have to wait until spring for a performance report on that rig.

It really does surprise me though that Raylar, after putting so much R&D time and money into developing this marinized LS engine, has not spent the money to install these in a boat for test reports and promotion in magazines.:huh: Boats already designed to have twin small blocks (like ours!) would be perfect candidates. Until actual performance gains and durability are demonstrated, it's going to be hard to justify the $$'s. Until then we can just dream and :drool5:!

Hey 4mula, rite bac @ u, good to see u made it over...i am not a "post machine" like some of my AT bruthas, but now and then i feel the urge to say something stupid for all to see!
Great point about the Raylars and the lackluster advertising and testing; I think there would be no better candidate than an Active Thunder 28 or a Formula 292....
BTW, my engine trouble was as simple as a leaky exhaust manifold gasket! I am phsyched...I am adding the Imco full hydraulic external steering this winter and keeping the power stock, for now.
Good to hear from you.
Happy Thanksgiving week to all!!

 

[RLJ676]

Anytime I see someone thinking of building a new 28ish I'm always throwing out this idea. It's what I'd do, but I don't have new boat money (or maybe any boat money as I work at GM), and it's easier to spend everyone elses cash.

I think it'd be perfect for a turnkey, reasonably fast single (or real fast twin). The combination of the weight savings with 550 just seems perfect for a 28 single AT, Pantera, Sunsation, etc.

 

[Griff]

IMO, the weight savings will throw the center of gravity off too much on the larger 28 singles. They will bow steer too much and need the weight at the stern. I think it would be a good package for smaller twin engine boats that get too stern heavy with twin BBC's.

 

[catmando]

Keith Eickert has developed a 600hp SBC.

 

[spilman]

IMO, the weight savings will throw the center of gravity off too much on the larger 28 singles. They will bow steer too much and need the weight at the stern. I think it would be a good package for smaller twin engine boats that get too stern heavy with twin BBC's.

Exactly, Griff...If you read my previous post I stated that my current boat(28AT), has a keel plane due to it being stern heavy. The LSM550 would be an incredible set-up, twins of course....:boxing_smiley:
The AT 28 would not work well w/ a single small block, no matter what the hp, the cg would be off. Plus, not enough torque w/1 sb...

 

[ILMORdude]

Whats the cost of the Raylar?

 

[spilman]

Whats the cost of the Raylar?

26.5k.......big money for a sb with no record of longevity
Anyone know if it has a 1 yr warranty or what?

 

[ILMORdude]

You can get into a low hr used v10 625 for that............but the raylar is a nice looking piece.

 

[spilman]

You can get into a low hr used v10 625 for that............but the raylar is a nice looking piece.

You can also buy two(2) 500 efi's w/low hrs or 525's with 120hrs for that!!
The whole point of the LSM550 is the weight savings, power to weight ratio and size;the 27-33' twin engine application where t/bb's are just too heavy. I realize the Ilmor is alum., but it is just too big for this application. A 502ci unless you have at least 650+hp and huge torque. Most of us who want sb's want a reliable package that will run 80, get 2+mpg, and not need to be rebuilt every season also. It's a fine line, but if there were an affordable small block package it would appeal to many right now. just my .02

 

[glassdave]

26.5k.......big money for a sb with no record of longevity
Anyone know if it has a 1 yr warranty or what?

yes i believe it has a one year warranty but i also read that they may be bumping that to two year. Its a fantastic piece with good numbers for performance. I dont really think pricing is out of line for that package. I really like the techie stuff and the LS1 has a great record for longevity. How great would it be to have a pair of those with ITS/Bravoxr/Sporty lowers on a 27 Sport Magnum

 

[4mulafastech]

Hey 4mula, rite bac @ u, good to see u made it over...i am not a "post machine" like some of my AT bruthas, but now and then i feel the urge to say something stupid for all to see!
Great point about the Raylars and the lackluster advertising and testing; I think there would be no better candidate than an Active Thunder 28 or a Formula 292....
BTW, my engine trouble was as simple as a leaky exhaust manifold gasket! I am phsyched...I am adding the Imco full hydraulic external steering this winter and keeping the power stock, for now.
Good to hear from you.
Happy Thanksgiving week to all!!

Great to hear it was only an exhaust gasket!

Wise choice in upgrading to full hydraulic steering. You will LOVE the feel and control at high speed in the rough. I bit the bullet when I ordered my 292 and had Formula install Latham steering on mine so, like you, my rig would be ready for more speed sometime into the future!

Happy Thanksgiving!:cheers2:

 

[MarylandMark]

I've always like how Ray @ Raylar represented his company and shared his knowledge! I know most of you know this info as they were answers to your questions but thought I'd add it for anyone that didn't see it.

About sales/being a big seller from 6/20/08:

The orders for these new engines have been slower in coming than we would have liked, but the industry is shrinking right now and new boat orders are almost flat with many builders, Mercury is dropping prices on engine packages to keep the plant working and a lot of boaters thinking repower just don't have the bucks!
We feel fortunate at this point that we sold a few LSM550's and they will be on the water soon.

Price on 8/19/08:

Two Raylar LSM 550's ...............are about $51K for twins and for what they are thats a very good price point.

Warranty and lifespan on 9/08:

We obviously don't have real long hour results yet on this new engine, but my professional knowledge and opinion on the operating hours, based on how well these LSM550's are built and the quality of the parts used tells me that a boater should see somewhere between 500 and 750 hours before any overhaul should be required, possibly longer depending on use. Most likely at that point I would also think that a new set of rings and bearings, an oil pump, a valve job on the heads with new springs and maybe a new set of roller lifters and rockers might be all thats required for an overhaul. We warranty the engine now for 1 year and with more history we may extend that warranty to two years.

Weight savings on 9/11/08:

1100HP from all aluminum 89 pump gas engines in this boat with 1000lbs less weight than a twin big block packages or 600lbs less than a twin small block package that will only make perhaps 700HP total for the iron small blocks, makes this choice a real "no-brainer"!

and revised rebuild time (guess more testing showed they would last longer):

I......especially when you consider 750-1000 engine hours for the LSM550's............

I can't wait to see more boats with them- I'm a fan!!

 

[Never Enuff]

Does anyone know if Ray has been over here yet? If not, maybe some one should reach out to him. His knowledge would be of great value IMO.
Jay

 

[ar15meister]

Would love to see how they would run in a staggered 28 Pantera with no cabin and a 3 man bolster.......

Thats my 'lottery win' build (well one of them anyways)

 

[Steve Miklos]

IMO, the weight savings will throw the center of gravity off too much on the larger 28 singles. They will bow steer too much and need the weight at the stern. I think it would be a good package for smaller twin engine boats that get too stern heavy with twin BBC's.

I love that engine platform but I agree on the cg issue.
Steve

 

[Bad Idea Baja]

I have heard that there is going to be a production small block that is close to 650hp. Just a rumor from what I hear.