Hello forum and hello dear fellow Cigarette owners,



I am new to this forum and a recently purchased

a classic non step Top Gun 38 in mint condition.

I think this boat has not been discussed with a repower to 8.2 MAG HO MPI

before. Hope to raise interest in this thread.



First I would like to share some data about my Gun:



1996 Top Gun 38 “70 MPH+ Edition”

Former owner claims the hull is a Kevlar edition, at least some parts of the boat are,

but I assume glas is the major material.

Further I assume the boat already has a notched transom and

the X Dim is higher than on older pre 1996 models since this boat

was delivered with Bravos from factory and the balance and x dim problems with the switchover from TRS to Bravo were hopefully resolved by 1996.

The original power was bulldog 500 caburated.

The former owner already repowered to 8.2 MAG HO MPI (430HP) EU Version non cat.

The Drives are standard Bravo X (1,5 ratio)

The Exhaust is through hull CORSA.

Boat bottom is not slowed down because it has no paint.



My Questions:



Question one: What top speed (in salt) can I realistically expect with this setup?

So far I did not have the chance to test drive it.

Former owner claims 5000 rpm with 24” 4- Blade Bravo props

but no GPS speed confirm. Don’t know slip, cant calculate.



Question two:



What speed gains can i expect from the following mods:



- Whipple stage two

- IMCO boxes neutral X Dim

- Sportsmaster lowers with minus 3 inch

- Dialed in with better, more surface running props



Thanks to any opinions!



Best regards,



C.



BalticBoater

Congrats on the purchase. Post pics when you can.

I’m sure others will chime in but you’ll most likely see high 60’s to 70 mph with that power. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but its pretty common knowledge that the 496’s don’t do well with HP hop ups like Whipple’s. Their more work horse motors than race motors. And in my opinion you’re gonna spend a lot of money on extension boxes and short lowers and most likely aren’t going to see much of an increase in speed at all. Those upgrade benefits don’t really come into play until you’re up into higher speeds.

the 496 is 8.1.........502 is 8.2..........forged internals can be hot rodded a bit.......but around 70 the way it sits is about right

68 as is, I’d pull the power, sell them and buy a set of the 540 or 565 efi’s before buying boxes, -3’s and surfacing props. Boat isn’t fast enough to see gains from those mods

Congrats on the boat, post pictures. What you have is a classic wave crusher. My opinion for what is worth is run it the way it is and enjoy it. That boat was fast back in the day and if you try to make it run 75/100 your never going get your money out of it. Speaking from my personal experiences. I had a 85 mistress and wanted to break a 100 mph. I bought a stepped hull and break 100. Now I can break 100 but run 55 and cruise everywhere lol. Keep up on maintenance and burn some fuel! Enjoy it! Looking forward to some Pictures. Straight bottom Cigs are very cool rides.

You are correct. The 8.2 is back to the 502 design. It does not belong to the 496 engine family.
Not sure about the forged internals. 8.2 HO MPI is not a performance version of this "new" engine
line. But it has aluminium heads this is a plus. Good engine over all so i hope.

Okay its very possible that you are correct! The 540 could end up on my wish list!!
Very happy mercury finally brought something like this to the table with power
and in compliance with the law.

Thank you, very good advice. Will do so for now. Will post pictures very soon.

what year it this engine 502 mag ho ?

October 2014. 95 Hours :-) EU Version, non cat.