496 mag vs 496 mag HO
 

I know there is a 50 hp difference. But what else is different between these 2 mills and what makes the 50 hp? I may have found a buyer for my boat but he wants my 502 as well. I was going to swap motors into the new boat. So now Im looking for a 232 or 252 islander with as much hp as possible. There is a few out there with the 375 hp versions and Im wondering what I can do to up the output? Thnx guys. sj

raylar kit for the 496 will make between 500 and 600 h.p.

I think the original question is "what's the difference between a mag vs. HO, other than the 50 hp".

I think it's a different cam and different ECU tune, but I'm not sure.

I figured out the search... yup you are right.

Both have a 5 year warranty also, hop up a regular 496 with a kit of any sort and kiss that warranty goodbye. If you are shopping for new motors this could be an important consideration.

The warranty just expired on my 496mag and I'm wanting to upgrade to one of the Raylar kits, just waiting for your donations :drink:

I thought some pieces were cast iron versus forged???

I believe that it was only the first model years that the HO had a forged crankshaft. Later Mercury decided to use the same crankshaft (cheaper) for both engines.

what year was the 1st year? sj

496 HO DATA SHEET

496 MAG HO MPI - 425 hp


Power 425HP (317 kW)
Full Throttle Range 4600-5000 RPM
Displacement 496 CID (8.1L)
Engine Type V8
Bore & Stroke 4.25" X 4.38" (108mm X 111mm)
Compression Ratio 9.1:1
Fuel Requirement 87 Octane (R M)/2
Engine Control System PCM 555 with SmartCraft CAN Capability
Fuel Delivery System Gen III Cool Fuel
Fuel Injection System Sequential Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection
Induction System 2-pieceLong Runner intake with 75mm Throttle Body (80mm w/DTS)
Ignition System Distributorless Ignition w/Knock Control and Platinum Spark Plugs
Charging System 65 Amp/917 Watt Alternator
Water Drain System Single Point Air-Actuated
Exhaust System Tuned Runner Exhaust Manifolds with 316 Stainless Steel Tubular Dry Joint Elbows
Cooling System Closed Cooling, Long Life 5-Year Anti-Freeze, Brass Sea Water Pump
Accessory Drive System Serpentine Belt, Stainless Steel Spring Automatic Tensioner
Recommended Engine Oil SAE 25W-40 NMMA Certified FC-W
Engine Guardian System Low Oil Pressure, High Coolant Temperature, High Exhaust Manifold Temperature, Low Drive Lube, Low Sea Water Pressure, Low Voltage, Over-rev control, Knock Control