One reason I'm excited about the 1989 Cafe Racer in Texas is the 496 EFI engines. I've been told the fuel injected engines are more reliable and need less tweaking. I've also been told the 496s 'sip' gas (i.e. are fuel efficient). What are the advantages of the 502 EFI vs the 496 EFI (and any other fuel injected Mercruisers)? I'm still learning.

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I'm the one in the yellow.

Aye Cap'n!

I had a single 496HO in my last boat. It got very little use but it was awesome. From reading on here, the 496 is great if you service it properly, run it sensibly and don't modify it. I think most people here will say the 502 is a stronger platform to build on if you're chasing hp. (Different internals and stuff that I'm not too clued up on)

Short answer, standard 496 is great. If you want to build more hp, 502 is much better.

Are you shying away from the outboard idea? Personally, I love outboards and Bullets. I'd be looking into the one in your other thread.

RR

The gun sold but is for sale currently; I spoke with the owner at length. He’s a multi boat owner and might just be trying to make a buck on it. 50k buys it IIRC, I have some pics. Unknown motor damage, drive history, structural history as of the previous owners. He did say he was told that when during filming the boat was rack stored and flushed religiously; for whatever thats worth, lol.. With a competent wrench and someone who knows their way around a Cig I’m sure one could sus out whats going on w it in a afternoon. It just fell into unloving hands with that production crew..

Doug, did you talk with Blake? (with the Cafe). He's a nice guy. Just wondering if you made it out there to check it out.

Blake's Cafe is currently my top choice. It has a lot of advantages over the Florida boats, for one thing it's closer. I'm going to hold off moving forward until after the Rendezvous. Are you going to Osage Beach June 19?
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Social Distancing on Lake Nacimiento

Nice tiger on Facebook for $88k, looks clean .
500 EFI`s

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yep. We’ll be there! Booked and ready to roll.

really?! Holy crap that’s a good price. On a trailer? If one pops up with 6’s I’d seriously consider it and my refit isn’t even done lol.

I think so too , not gonna beat any speed records but should be nice and
reliable. .. Myco trailer but no 6`s


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...&theater&ifg=1


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We had a great time at the Cigarette Rendezvous.

I only saw one Cafe Racer (and I'm told it is on the market now), and it looks as good in person as in the photos. I spoke with Gene at Performance Boat Center about the Cafe Racer I'm considering and at first he was skeptical that it was under powered for such a heavy hull. After learning my priorities (reliable engines and smooth ride) and my current "no need for breakneck speed", he agreed a Cafe Racer w/ 496 EFIs might be a good choice. So I'm moving forward with my purchase.

Perhaps my next post will be me with my first Go Fast.

Have a safe and happy Fourth! We'll be on our lake: Nacimiento.

Doug

P.S. I'm unfamiliar with the term Flat Deck, please enlighten me.