Hi all. As many of you know the 496 is a fantastic engine for several reasons: mainly, you get mid range performance with reliability and affordability. But the 496 is what it is and with that being said, one must carefully consider what should be done in order to squeeze out a bit more hp. From what I have read, the 496 is a marriage of well balanced components and engineering right out of the box. Hence, once serious modifications are added the balance is lost along with the cost benefit.

But there’s always things that can be done to the motors peripherals (headers, drive, air induction etc etc) no?

I’m simply looking to see the results of mild enhancements that others have done without compromising the delicate balance of the block in question.

See Raylar.

You can just remove the 496 and sell it complete. Then build something else. Used 496's seem to sell pretty quick.

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I checked out the site:

http://www.raylarengine.com/

Thanks for the info guys. Is it cost effective to buy the 496 and the 103 kit, over moving up to a Merc 525?

On another note, Im still curious to know what other have done with out pulling the motor apart.

Im a bit green guys, sorry for that.

You can add a little power and performance with a good header system on a 496mag or HO however if you are going to make real power above 25-40HP per engine you are going to have to get into things like head and cam changes and ultimatly into the intake change to see real power of 100Hp to put the engine on a power par with an HP525efi.
Believe me when I say if Raylar could sell simple external pieces that would add power to a stock 496, we would be manufacturing and selling them!
There is no cheap lunch when it comes to marine engine performance upgrades, its always about your ability to pay for your play!

Best Regards,
Ray @ Raylar

X 3 .... I just went thru the process with Ray and he was a pleasure to deal with . IMO your going to spend alot more upgrading to a Merc 525 . As far as resale the boat will be worth more with a Merc 525 but I dont think it will offset your investment costs . ALso as far as I know your cant run switchable exhaust with a Merc 525