There are two 496 engines.

The 496HO is rated at 425HP.
The 496 Mag is rated at 375HP.

The 496HO, 496 Mag, and 525EFI, ALL require 87 Octane, and that's it. They actually run worse with HIGHER octane.

You DEFINITELY want the 496HO. Its got some better parts to it, and its more mainstream.

Also, you are going to have to re-prop the boat, which could be $400 used to $1000 new; so make sure you add that into your calculations.

You might try talking to Tyler Crockett at http://www.crockettmarineengines.com/
He is very knowledgeable about Velocities AND engine computers. He might could detune the computer on your 525EFI. That way, all you need is a reprogram to have it back to full power.

ILL TAKE 200.00 ON CHIPPIN IT:drink:

WELCOME TO THE SITE TONS OF GREAT PEOPLE AND KNOWLEDGE.

You'll regret selling the nice power after you get use to the boat...

Get descent tabs and be careful.

You never have too much power.

Hmmm.... I have a 496HO with about 200 Hrs on it that is under warranty until July 2010. Trade you straight up for the 525........ :) Just throwing it out there..... oh and the 496HO uses 87 octane just like the 525.

ok ill give you the 496 ho which uses 87 and ill even throw in a 23p mirage plus if that would help you.

ill give my moded 454 and my first born. I don't know when that will be but you can have him/her.:drink:

I would keep what you have and prop where you are comfy untill you get that itch.

Why do you have to run it so hard? Why not just advance throttle to your comfort zone?
You "may" get better economy over the 496 buy not running it as hard vs a 496 running WOT.

Boat will have better resale w/ 525 too.

The only upgrade would be to add hydraulic ram steering. Run 87 octane only in the 525 EFI, 93 octane will make it run worse. The steering upgrade is a must and is the reason you are having troubles driving the boat. The drive is moving around on you at high speed. Leave the enigne in the boat. It will cost a lot to convert and lessen the value of the boat.

The folks that say keep the 525 knoiw what they speak...especially if it is a 525EFI.

Not sure what Velocity you have. I had a late 80's (1989 I'm almost positive) Velocity 23 built by Regal. It was basically the 22' with a higher deck for a more usable cabin... Boat had a 454 Mag, Bravo 1, and Latham hydrualic steering.

The boat chine walked like crazy, until I figured out it needed the drive trimmed out more than I ever expected. This would often cause it to porpoise moderatly, but the trimming out of the drive really calmed down the chine walk.

BTW, I would of LOVED a 525 in that boat!!!!!!!!!!!!

How about some pictures?