I'm going to look at a 2005 22 classic this week. According to photos the owner sent, it has a 496 HO MAG and the closed cooling system. The out drive looks like a standard Bravo one because the top plate is smooth and flat. I've read where this engine should have come with a Bravo one X, which I think has a more rounded top with fins. So, my two questions are, could either drive come with the 496 in 2005 or am I confused at what I'm looking at? And second, the Donzi literature on the web from 2005 rates the 496 at 375 HP. The Mercruiser literature rates it at 425HP. So which is right for a 2005 model year? Thanks, Richy.

496/425 magnum or 496/375 both will push that boat pretty well good luck! Not sure Bravo 1 but good chance post photo.

What is the typical speed for a stock 496 in a 22 footer?

496HO is 425HP, 496 Mag is 375 for all years. The only difference is actually the camshaft, computer program, and the size of a hole drilled into the throttle plate.

My 2004 496HO came with a bravo one X drive that had a flat top cap from the factory. The finned ones weren't on very many Xs. More common on the XRs.

Thank you for the reply 87MirageIntruder, that answers my questions. So if I understand it correctly, the differences in a X outdrive could only be seen internally?

Correct, or you could run the drive serial number with a Mercury dealer to see what it is.

If the drive is off, you could tell it was an X drive by the driveshaft collar that screws into the housing. It will have holes in it vs a castle nut style.

OK, I brought the boat home It's been sitting for 8 years without being run but luckily in a heated garage. I called the dealer about buying a water pump and he said I would have to pull the engine out to replace. For you guys with a 22 classic Is this true? Thanks for the help.