454 & 496 Match?
01-29-2007, 10:05 PM
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454 & 496 Match?
Hey there,
I'm looking to repower from a tired 310 HP 454 and want to drop in a turn key (new everything w/ warranty) 502 or 496 Mercruiser.
I have been told that my current setup would not mate up with the current Mercruiser 496, but I'm interested in this engine for the reliable horsepower and closed cooling (I run salt water). The dealer would not give me any specifics on why this would not match up, but was quick to give me a great deal on a 502 longblock.
I have a 1997 BAJA 232 with a Bravo 1 and need to repower for one more year of enjoyment, then I plan on moving to something 29 - 32 running twins. Does anyone know why the 496 may not match up to my current setup?
I'm looking to repower from a tired 310 HP 454 and want to drop in a turn key (new everything w/ warranty) 502 or 496 Mercruiser.
I have been told that my current setup would not mate up with the current Mercruiser 496, but I'm interested in this engine for the reliable horsepower and closed cooling (I run salt water). The dealer would not give me any specifics on why this would not match up, but was quick to give me a great deal on a 502 longblock.
I have a 1997 BAJA 232 with a Bravo 1 and need to repower for one more year of enjoyment, then I plan on moving to something 29 - 32 running twins. Does anyone know why the 496 may not match up to my current setup?
01-29-2007, 10:16 PM
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Re: 454 & 496 Match?
If you want to do a complete drop in of the 496, it will match as far as the motor mounts and the transom assembly. As long as the motor comes with its complete harness, its pretty much a plug and play.
That said, the 502 is a much stronger piece than the 496, with better parts etc.
That said, the 502 is a much stronger piece than the 496, with better parts etc.
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01-30-2007, 11:26 AM
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Re: 454 & 496 Match?
I have done the swap the biggest problem is exhaust. if you are using a y pipe thru prop you will have to get a new one to match the 496. if you are using thru hull tips you can make custom pipes as i did or go thru all of the hassle of relocating the outlets on the transom. The harness, steering lines fuel lines and battery cables all line up. I had to switch the throttle and shift cables as on my boat one is longer than the other and are oppsite on the 496. i also had to shorten the water intake hose. Depending on the boat I had to rework my engine beds for clearence of the belt and pulleys on the front of the engine. Good luck. Brian
01-30-2007, 06:23 PM
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01-31-2007, 12:14 PM
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Re: 454 & 496 Match?
i replaced 454 with 496 ho's in an '89 34' scarab.
i had to remove about 1" of engine compartment
for exhaust clearance. that was it. best move i've ever made.
they burn almost half what the 454-365's did and they have
more hp. plus they start every time. they do have inferior
internal parts, but i figure they'll be fine leaving them stock.
i had to remove about 1" of engine compartment
for exhaust clearance. that was it. best move i've ever made.
they burn almost half what the 454-365's did and they have
more hp. plus they start every time. they do have inferior
internal parts, but i figure they'll be fine leaving them stock.
02-01-2007, 11:26 PM
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Re: 454 & 496 Match?
Thanks for the info. I really do like the 232, but I can't break 35 offshore without some real excitement breaking loose. I think the 502 will also make the boat more saleable. Thanks again.
02-01-2007, 11:29 PM
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Re: 454 & 496 Match?
Mike. Shoot me an email with the specifics. That's the price range I'm working in. when you say "Fresh", what exactly does this mean? What are the hours?
[email protected]
Thanks for the quick response!
02-01-2007, 11:31 PM
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Re: 454 & 496 Match?
If you throw enough money at a problem you may find a
solution. I went through this for 18 months. I could not find
anyone who would do my 7.4L MPI to 496HO project. The
496 block is different from the 454/502 block at the mounts
and exhaust. General boat mechanics do not want to get
involved. Do not spend all the money on a new 496 or take out
502 engine if you are going to sell the boat in 1 year.
Find a take out engine like yours. I just sold my low hour
7.4L MPI for a steal. If you get lucky it will be the best deal.
However if you put a good 502 Mag into your boat like I am
doing to my Cobalt 233, I doubt you will want to sell the boat
after a year. Your 232 will fly with the 502. I can not wait to
get my engine project completed. There is a nice 502 MPI in
the classified ads now. If you go the 502 route you can buy a
closed cooling kit. I too wanted a new 496HO because it is the
newest technology and comes with the warranty, but I gave
up due to the costs and the hassles. Do a search of this issue.
There have been many good discussions concerning this
repower project. Good luck.
solution. I went through this for 18 months. I could not find
anyone who would do my 7.4L MPI to 496HO project. The
496 block is different from the 454/502 block at the mounts
and exhaust. General boat mechanics do not want to get
involved. Do not spend all the money on a new 496 or take out
502 engine if you are going to sell the boat in 1 year.
Find a take out engine like yours. I just sold my low hour
7.4L MPI for a steal. If you get lucky it will be the best deal.
However if you put a good 502 Mag into your boat like I am
doing to my Cobalt 233, I doubt you will want to sell the boat
after a year. Your 232 will fly with the 502. I can not wait to
get my engine project completed. There is a nice 502 MPI in
the classified ads now. If you go the 502 route you can buy a
closed cooling kit. I too wanted a new 496HO because it is the
newest technology and comes with the warranty, but I gave
up due to the costs and the hassles. Do a search of this issue.
There have been many good discussions concerning this
repower project. Good luck.
Thanks for the kind information. I'm sure that with a nice wax job and a 502 with a bit of prop, I could possibly see the 70's; but one step at a time. The reason for the upgrade is that I'm beat up at the end of a day in the ocean. I can't get much over 35MPH without things getting scary for my passangers (I'm fine with it). Anyway, thanks. I'll narrow in my search for a quality 502.
