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MARINE TECHNICIANTODAY | WINTER 2015
the torque load for a higher power capacity
while maintaining a slim surface piercing
housing shape for improved hydrodynamics and
maximum efficiency. An active anode enhances
corrosion resistance by adjusting its current to
the protection needed. To transfer all the power
and torque to the water, Mercury uses their Pro
Finish 5 & 6 blade CNC sterndrive propellers that
handles surface piercing impact very well.
Mercury Racing uses a Propulsion Control
Module (PCM) microprocessor with race specific
fuel calibration that runs on real time. This allows
the engine to provide a consistent horsepower
in any condition, and eliminates the hassle of
re-propping the boat to match the conditions.
The PCM controls the fuel and spark timing for
each individual cylinder independently. This
enhances engine running quality, fuel economy,
performance, and durability. It also uses 8
independent ignition coils - one per cylinder for
improved spark energy output and eliminates
spark plug fouling.
In February 2015 Mercury Racing released the
newest version of the QC4v engine. It is supplied
with two different horsepower range calibrations
that are customer selectable. There is a 1350
hp version requiring 91 octane pump fuel used
for pleasure cruising, and 1550 hp version that
requires 112 octane race fuel when you want all
out performance. This is accomplished by a dual
fuel calibration at start up via the change through
an electronic key fob. There are two key fobs
supplied with the engine. You insert the Pleasure
key fob for general cruising or the Race key fob
for maximum performance. The calibration mode
is displayed on the Vessel View monitor. Also
added to the system is a special theft deterrent
system (Mercury TDS) which disables the engine
when the assigned key fob is not engaged. Full
throttle RPM range for the 1550 hp engine is 6200
- 6800 and 6000 – 6500 for the 1350 hp version.
Total weight of the complete turn-key package
(engine, transom assembly, transmission, and
outdrive) is 1720 lbs. The engine packages can
be ordered in a total of 12 different color options.
The 1550 hp calibrated engine has a warranty for
the first 10 hours of operation above 2000 rpm or
1 year whichever comes first.
The latest endeavor of Mercury Racing has been
increasing the market for their small block 4
valve LS heads available for building a crate
engine for the automotive field or a complete
marine engine package. The 32 valve DOHC
(double overhead cam) LS cylinder heads are
designed and developed by Mercury Racing
to integrate with GM LS series based engines.
The aluminum 4 valve head and dual overhead
camshaft provides improved breathing of the
engine for enhanced performance and durability,
compared to a standard 2 valve cylinder head
design. Mercury Racing claims the design of
the valves increases the airflow by 25% for the
intake and 33% for the exhaust. This design not
only increased the airflow it created a “tumble
airflow pattern” further increasing performance.
Their cylinder heads are compatible with GM
Generation III and IV LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4, LS6,
LS7, LSA and LSX engines.
Mercury Racing markets the phrases “Passion
For Performance”and ”AWinning Heritage”that
has a history of success in high performance
marine and automotive racing circuits. This
all started back in 1955 when Mercury Marine
founder Carl Kiekhaefer began racing in
NASCAR and won 80% of the races his teams
entered and earned 3 national championships.
In 1990, General Motors approached Mercury
Marine to produce the all-aluminum 5.7 liter
LT5 engine for the Chevrolet ZR-1 Corvette. That
same year, a LT5 powered ZR-1 broke a 50 year
old FIA endurance record by averaging 175.9
mph over 24 hours. “For decades we’ve been
the leader in developing high performance
marine engines and now we are here to take
on the automotive aftermarket.”
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Mercury Racing Ultima GTR
with 1650 QC4v engine installed
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Mercury racing LS 7 crate
engine complete auto install
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Mercury Racing
1350 Hand built
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Mercury Racing LS build
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Mercury Racing LS build installed
in a Plymouth Barracuda
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Mercury Racing LS base build
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Mercury Racing 1650 QC4v complete
engine install in Ultima GTR Kit Car