Yes the 496 will only respond to minor boost in stock form (3.5PSI) So when you buy the stellings box(or any other), it comes with hydraulic steering? So the gains are meant more for running big water more so than running in land. I am in Ontario so 3ft chop is usually max for us.

I wouldn't advise any boost on a 496 without changing the internals to forged.



It doesn't come with the box per say, but it is required after the box is installed. No way to hook the stock steering up, hydraulic is then required.

Best run with same setup on GPS 74.5 with 2 adults...As shown in post #11

It moves the transom assembly out 12" which makes it impossible to use stock cable steering setup

Thanks a lot guys for the great information.

I am thinking it shouldn't be a problem if I install the box first and then the shorty the season after. Is there anything I need to be worried about if I run the box with the stock drive?

Thanks JT and Irish!!! I have the boat running good with this setup. Now for some blue power!!!!

You first have to figure out were you want your drive height to be before you do anything. I am running a stock drive on my setup.

J.T, I think the funnest boat I ran with was ThunderFlash

As Violator said find out how high or low your drive height is. If you go with Stellings put it all the way up and run your stock setup. If you need more you can add a shortie. 4" is magic spot...

If you are too deep only thing it'll do is slow you down...Imco Neutral Box you have no adjustment other than a shortie.

Thanks guys for all the replies... I am sure I will have more questions in the future.