Re: 496ho vs 525efi
 

Warranty has come up several times in this thread. A 5-year Passport Premire policy is available on the 525 through Brunswick Product Protection. Let me know if anybody needs any info.
Kyle

Re: 496ho vs 525efi
 

Wouldnt the CMI's put the 496HO in 500efi territory(which is how much more $$$ than a 496HO from mercury)? What would it take for the additional horsepower needed to get into 525 range.....and keep warranty?

Re: 496ho vs 525efi
 

The 525EFI comes out of the factory somewhere between 530HP and 560HP at the crankshaft.

The HP500EFI came out of the factory at 512HP+/- at the crankshaft; 470HP at the prop shaft.

The 496HO would need more than headers to get to 470HP at the crankshaft; and as far as I know, there is nothing else you can do without voiding warranty. Remember your Torque Curve on a 496HO is not going to be the same as a 500EFI once you install headers, even though you may be near the same HP.

Re: 496ho vs 525efi
 

I could be wrong, but I'm think'n the black motors are rated at the prop so 496HO's 425 + the documented header gains and you'd be close to the HP500's 470, not sure on the torque but the real speed numbers gained suggest that improved too.

Merc gets a lot of premium for the blue paint, more than the value they deliver. I know the blower I had on my 575SCI was a POS design with puny sealed brgs that went south at 140 hrs- granted the Lysholms they use now are a nice piece.

Re: 496ho vs 525efi
 

well maintained 496ho's,500's, and 525's should go at least 500hr's before overhaul.....

Re: 496ho vs 525efi
 

An uncorked (unmuffled) 525 can scare/startle unsuspecting people standing near it when started :evilb: :evilb: :evilb: That right there is worth the price of admission! :D

Re: 496ho vs 525efi
 

I know of one CMI 496 HO installation that did not gain anything on top end!

Re: 496ho vs 525efi
 

Yeah, I know that guy too, but he smokes a lot of crack! :D

Like I said, I think the header is good for the motor, and should increase your HP which will help with SOME setups, but I don't know what it does to the torque curve. The midrange and cruise may improve, but top end may not; or vice versa.



I am fairly confident I will get my boat to 80mph with stock 496HOs one day. It won't be a consistant thing, but I have seen a best of 77.5mph with a heavy load in no current fresh water body of water.

With labbed props, some exhaust tuning, salt water, cooler/low humidity air and a light load, I know she has 80 in her. I still have at least 250 RPMs that I have never seen with the stock 28s.

Re: 496ho vs 525efi
 

Brian when you going todo the deal on the offical start and trade the 37 and get some blue motors OR Ilmores and then I can get the 37 from Pat :rolleyes:

Re: 496ho vs 525efi
 

You know, about 5 people are on the "list" if Monsoon goes up for sale. Clark calls me about once every two weeks! :D I can't imaging not owning my boat.