2001 Baja 25' Outlaw... 496 HO or 502?
 

I'm currently in the process of upgrading for my normal usage boat... I'm torn between 2 separate 2001 25' Outlaws.

Any other input on this?

Looking at 2 separate 2001 25' Outlaws...

1 has a 496 HO with 250hrs

1 has a 502 with 330hrs...

Price is about equivalent. I've read the 496HO has a closed cooling system, whereas the 502 doesn't.

I won't be running in salt water so not a major issue.

Also, that the 502 is steel crank and forged internals and the 496HO isnt.

Any truth to this... please help!

The 502 is a damn good motor, and will last a long time.

the 496 HO is a good motor as well, but I would thing the 502 while older techknology, is a wel built machine.

496 will run forever, 502 will need head gaskets at some point. If your going to leave it stock 496 is the way I'd go.

Here are the exact pics of both setups...

502:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...psccd1bb6a.jpg

496:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps0a8428c2.jpg

Both boats are comparably clean, no bottom paint all stock.

Engine is my main concern on which way to go... thank you in advance!

I think unless your going to blow it, they both should be great engines.

After some more research... I've also read that 01 **496's did indeed have a forged crank, although rods and pistons were not.

Although I don't plan on a pro charger short term, who knows what'll happen down the road.

Should I go with the 502 since this is the case?

502 is easier to upgrade. Both are good motors.

496 has more conveniences like easy winterization, closed cooling, new style sea pump and is basically bulletproof in stock form. However, if you do have a sensor problem a scan tool is a must. 496 has superior exhaust over the 502, dry joint alum vs the cast iron wet joint logs on the 502.

The 502 has stronger internals, broader range of hop up parts, and a world full of experts on any problems you should have. Will also flash codes to a test light, but most likely a google search will solve any problems you have. Lots of used blower set ups out there, and tons of ecu remaps to match them. This engine is also a candidate for a 540cu in upgrade, not an option on the 496.

Unless you are absolutely sure you will upgrade to blowers or cu inches I would choose the 496

I'd rather have the 502