I need some advise from the 353 owners. I'm shoppin' 353 formula Fastechs, 2002 -2007. Is there a huge difference between a pair of 500s/525s compaired to the more affordable 496s? I understand that top end differs by maybe 6-8 mph, and the 525s, Mercury Racing 'Blue Motors', are awesome lookin', rock solid, and provide more torque & horsepower, (not to mention that they're a 502 cid block, have aluminum Edelbrock heads, CMI headers, roller rockers, extreme duty rods/pistons, etc). But is it worth the extra dough? Where do they excel??.......mid-range power, low -end, fuel economy? What should I be lookin' for? Thanks much for the insight......RR

I think you answered your own question.

Top end, MPG, and cruise RPM is all that is going to change.

The 500's will need some TLC to the valve train at 250-300 hours, the 525's (after 2004 when they came out) are good until about 400 hours on the valve train. These are estimates. It depends on how they were cared for and if regular maintence was done.

The 496's seem to have a VERY good track record all the way up to around 600 hours. They kind of remind me of the older 7.4L motors that just keep going.

I like power, so when I opted to re-power mine, I let them eat (640 HP each). The boat (hull) likes it, and with the right props, the ride just gets better and better. I get REAL good fuel economy at cruise around 47mph at 3100 RPM's and 1.6 miles per gallon. So power does have it's upside!

Dave

Thanks for the reply, Dave. I've always been a fan of the 525s, more power is always the trick. WOW!!....640hp, with boxes and shorties......boat's got do over 90, with gobs of mid range power. Nice boat man.......RR

I would go for the blue ones, better all around unless you just want a turn key boat that runs decent... I think the 353 feels slow at 70 ish that they run with 496, I like them much more in the 80's... 90's.... and a tad over 100!! I think they ride better with speed... pretty much goes for any 30+ ft boat...

With the 500/525 you have alot better parts in there too....

Resale will always be better with Blue power. Power Boat buyers will always go blue if they can. When I bought my '02 it was a definite factor.

Plain and Simple is that everyone would go Blue if they have the cash.

The HO's are great motors for the money. I have a 353 w/ HO's and its a solid boat 72-73mph and it will run 70 w/ a full tank and 8 people.

If the cheese aint an issue. Go blue, but the HO's are still a great package.

I agree with all of the above... if you can afford the upgrade, the 525's are worth the extra $$$ on every level. You won't ever regret it. A favorite motto of mine is: "It only costs a little more to go first class" ... Isn't that why we formula owners didn't buy a fountain??? (!) Also, 5PMSMWHR is right, the resale value will be higher and you'll have a more sought after boat if you ever need to bail. When I was searching for my 353 last April, I traveled all the way from Buffalo, NY to Vegas to land my 525's. Keep us posted on your search and good luck!

PS When you land your 353, you'll have to talk to Dave AXAPOWELL about a new set of step plates. I just installed mine, and they look incredible! THANKS DAVE!

Dave

PS

What are the graphics on your boat? I looked at an 03 a couple years ago in Vegas.

Perfect storm what does yours run with the 525's? Love the boat its a real beaut really wish you would hav esold that 311 last year LOL oh well

The boat does low 80's. I really was hoping that the 311 would stay local when I sold it, but it ended up in Erie, Pa... At least it's still on lake Erie!