I thought catalytic converters were standard on the 502 Mag HO, but looking at the following page they seem to be an option: http://www.perfprotech.com/store/pro...-B,187784.aspx

"ECT Catalyst" seems to be a factory option. Anybody knows if Cats are an option ?

No. The new 8.2 (502) comes with cats standard.

I would never modify the engines, so that is not a concern. I think the point about price is spot on. Lots of boats out there with the 496's but not with the 8.2's. I called Formula and asked for the speed/fuel burn stats on 8.2's and they said they don't have any, that's odd. That would be very interesting to see. Has anyone seen those numbers from any manufacturer where we can make a direct comparison with their same model equiped with the 8.1's?

Personally the cats wouldn't bother me. The motors still have about the same power as a 496 so why not be cleaner?

But if he is staying with a SS, I would buy whatever was the better deal.

My .02 cents which now is what,,,,,,,, almost .015 Euro?

Another thought is that although the 502 is a proven block, the bold-ons might be different as well as the cat. Why not let someone else be the beta test for these engines, you know anything new needs to get the kinks worked out of it.

Most manufactures are just now receiving the new motors, so it makes sense they do not have those numbers just yet.