Highmark

Has anyone tried or have real world experience with the Whipple Stage II kit for the 496 HO? 8-10% gain would be and extra 34-42.5 HP and would probably mean 1-2 mph. Not outrageous for the money if it would include cleaning up the low rpm exhaust soot on the transom a bit as well. This would put the 496 around 460-465 HP.

Heres the info from the website.

Stage 2 $995
The Whipple stage 2 maximizes the power output of the stock engine by running 91 octane or better, increasing the maximum spark advance, increased ignition power from the individual coils, denser air charge from the low temp thermostat, maximized air-fuel ratio in each individual cylinder and increased air flow from the hi-flow filter. Calibration increases torque levels throughout the entire rpm curve while making more peak hp for increased speeds.
Key features:
• Hi-performance ECM calibration
• Low-temp thermostat
• Hi-flow K&N filter
• 5450 RPM limit
• 8% - 10% power increase over stock
• Increased plaining ability with increased torque output

Strip Poker 388

iTrader: (6)

I dont think they have cracked the ecm yet on them Have they?

Highmark

I'm not sure what the status is besides what is posted on the website. They do not mention that it is still in process. I was thinking they had a way to reflash the ECM for thier supercharges. The only thing I don't like is that the kit includes a K&N filter. Haven't tests shown the stock arrestor flows as good if not better than the K&N setup?

mike0311

I called Whipple a few weeks a go and they said around 35HP increase and about the same increase in torque. They said it was a two day turn around time so I guess they are doing it.

Harper220

I talked to Dustin about this very kit back in January. He will sell the kit for $795 without the K&N arrestor ($200 less). And yes, they are the only ones that have the rights to reprogram the pcm 555. On the other hand, Boostpower marine is a Whipple distributor and said they could have the same kit done through Whipple for a little cheaper. Not sure how much cheaper though? The guy I spoke to at Boostpower more or less said you wouldn't notice that much difference and you'd have to run 91 octane. I thought that was rather strange, since they are a Whipple distributor.

I'd be interested to know what Boostpower would have to say if someone else called them and asked them about the kit? If it really produces 35 hp and the same torque, I think it would be worth it. Give them a call and post back.

Highmark

I would think 35 HP and TQ would have be noticable to be true. 8.2% should be substantial enough to feel and see. If not then why would a 500 EFI be faster than the 496 HO. Adding 35 HP only puts you off 15 from the 500EFI. I may call them and see if they will guarantee any MPH gain, if not then why would anyone do the kit?

Harper220

They're selling the kit to make money. Whether it performs like their claims is another story. I really don't think you'd get a guarantee in speed from them. 35 hp on twins might equate to 2-3 mph. gain. Make some calls and post back.

mike0311

I asked Whipple what kind of speed gains and he said about 4-5MPH. You can take that for what it's worth because I think it would matter a bit if you were doing it in a 20 footer or a 40 footer. My thought was if I could get at least a 2MPH gain then the cost is worth it. I believe the kit also contains a low temp thermostat.

Harper220

Hey, the kit sounds great to me if it works.. The question is, has anyone tried it and gained speed? I started a post on this kit a while back and no one ever posted that they had tried it. Who want's to go first?

Chris288

for 2,500 you could install a set of Raylar heads for 50 hp and you wouldn't need to run 91.... I am in the process of considering this..