Originally Posted by Raylar

WE remember when about two or three years ago there was talk back then about the end of the 496-8.1L engine. You have to remember that the marine engines that are available to marine engine builders like Mercury, Volvo, etc. come from GM Powertrain and they are marketed and provided based on demand. GM Powertrain provides many engines in sizes and configurations that are not even used in trucks and vehicles any more, like the 4.3 V6, the 350V-8, etc. The 496 -8.1 L is the industries only big block offering from Mercruiser, Volvo, Crusader, Pleasure Craft, Marine Power and Indmar. There is to much need for the brute torque and power needed for medium size cruisers and moderate sized performance boats. If you only knew how many 496's Mercruiser not Mercury Racing builds and ships each week you would be staggered by the quantity. There are already 6.0 and 6.2 liter LSI based small block motors that have been made available to the boat builders for over two years and none of the builders except for the ski boat set are grabbing these up and putting them in performance boats in any quantity. The 496 -8.1L motors will be available and used in large numbers for at least 5 more years minimum. We are not at all worried about this future and we'll just keep making 496's better for everyone who has or needs one. We are also in development on an all aluminum 7.0 liter L-92 V-8 variant motor that will be fresh water cooled, develop about 500HP with about 500 ft/bs of torque for those who want a 350lb. lighter and smaller motor for new twin installations, retro-fit on older small blocks and certain smaller single engine performance boat applications. It still won't replace the 600HP + and 650 ft/lbs of torque a well equipped 496 can provide. Remember our slogan" Where innovation fuels applications" Raylar spends a great deal of time trying to keep our heads out of the sand. Thanks for your concerns, just keep enjoying the 496, especially with Raylar "goodies", its not anybody's dead horse!

Regards,

Ray @ Raylar

Originally Posted by phil0460

All merc specs are @ the prop we have seen 10 6.2l throw rods under normal use in the last 3 years. Hours ranged between 15-300. merc says we are the only ones having this issue has any one else seen or heard of this.
these are all different boats

Originally Posted by SOX

Is a 6.2L a 383ci?

Originally Posted by Scott B

Volvo's history in the performance market is a bit spotty unfortunatley...

Originally Posted by DONZI33

Yes, Volvo's HP stuff like in that pic didnt last all that long because of merc's perf name & loyalty being so stong. To bad VP has no current plans to make an HP comeback.. Some of their stuff was really neat.... J