Now you're in the game. The 50 HP will net you 5 mph. You'll want a new prop if you have the 21p or have your current prop lab tuned, aka labbed. So the parts list is cam and PCM plus $400 for the wheel and your labor. Then you can do the math and see what you're willing to spend per one mile an hour.

That's why Rob is running a big blown Fountain.

Check this out as another option.https://whipplesuperchargers.com/ind...&product_id=52

Personally I think there is more value in converting your existing power to a 496 Mag H.O. because the set-up is stock and off the shelf available. Once you get the bug and want to sell this boat and move up it's easier to move and re-coup more of your dollars spent. There is the satisfaction of building and working on it though, pick your poison. As soon as you go custom mods, you do not get same $ return when on the for sale market in a boat like the 272.

I think I'm going to stay away from forced induction for the time being. By the sounds of it the HO conversion is a relatively easy job that gains 50hp for not a lot of money. I am still also very interested in the whipple PCM flash. From what I'm reading top speed isn't increased by much but torque gains are fairly decent and idle sounds more aggressive. That alone is worth the $700 or so. I am very curious if other on the forum have done this flash and what their experience is.

Absolutely, I posted the link for flash options. Not suggesting throwing a supercharger on. Suggest looking into the Mag HO upgrade and then the Whipple flash on top of that. Talk to Whipple and work out a game plan.

Oh sorry I see that now, that is exactly the flash I am considering. Have you heard any feedback on it?

Sounds like a reasonable approach. Like Rob mentioned you'll be way ahead of the game to leave that mill unmolested other than the HO upgrade and reflash. Hold better resale for sure plus lots of folks have bad vibes about a blown 496. You'd have to find the right buyer. I know several folks who have done a reflash. Most of them because of soot on the transom. I know of at least one who reports a loss of 2 mph afterward. I think that one was done at Mercury tho. Hopefully they'll chime in for you. There's also a shop in Kenner La that has a good reputation tuning ECM/PCM. Precision Marine.

That and the prop are the best bang for the buck "bolt on's" for that boat.

The flash cleaned up the transoms for many, some of the 496s were running very rich many owners posted on OSO about it. As far as performance, I'm sure there is some gain but as with any mod., add many small gains together to create a package that performs and shows a noticeable gain. I wouldn't just do the flash IF down the road you are then doing the HO upgrade. Put together a plan, I like what Hook'em pointed out. H.O. PCM, H.O. Cam, New Prop, and add in a tune from Whipple. That should be a nice package for you. The best way to improve a boat is to use it as you bought it, dial it in, then modify with a plan to reach a goal.

I bet that would really wake the boat up quite a bit. Just don't neglect the prop issue. After you've had some seat time you should run the numbers on the Mercury prop slip calculator, see where you're at. Doesn't make a lot of sense to peak the mill out and not be able to put the power to the water.

I've had my 272 for 17 years. I did almost exactly what your looking at. Gil mannys, reflash, timing, goofy plenum addition....all of which were baby steps that together got the 502 running pretty dayum strong. The prop was the missing link and made solid gains. 4-8 mph faster than other 502/272's. Highly modified at Bblades, big difference across the board.

You don't need reception, the app uses your phone's internal GPS to place you on the charts! :)

Charging a 496 is not reccomended, regardless. But people have done it.

Congrats, nice boat!