Gaining more horsepower from a 496 mercruiser 8.1
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Toledo,OH
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Gaining more horsepower from a 496 mercruiser 8.1
Is it possible to build a 496 mercruiser motor like you would build a 502. I know you can take a 502 and build it to a 540 bulldog. Is it possible to do it to a 496? They are totally different blocks. correct? or is it just the bore is different. Can they use some of the same parts that are used in a 540.
What would it take to increase the horsepower. Are they reasonable priced kits. Is it worth it or does it take away from reliablity
Thanks
David
What would it take to increase the horsepower. Are they reasonable priced kits. Is it worth it or does it take away from reliablity
Thanks
David
#3
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it is nearly a 1/4 inch of bore. takes a completely different block (wall thickness) to get that bore. the biggest difference is the breathing room under the valves the bigger bore allows. you can get a lot of power out of a 496. most of the components from a 502 will fit a 496, but the smaller bore will not allow for the airflow needed for serious power. the price of fuel you are gonna be burning, spend the dinero for a 502 block. or a 540 or a 572...
#4
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502 is generation 5 or 6 (depends) & 496(8.1) are generation 7 and are different.
DART makes heads and blocks for the 8.1/496
Raylar makes a 496/8.1 kit for 525 HP or 600 HP. They had stroker cranks at one time but you would have to inquire. He makes a very nice aluminum head for the 8.1/496. Nice product and priced fair for the level of products you get.
I havent run my boat in 5 months and started it today. The Raylar 600's started in about 2-3 seconds. To be honest, I forgot how good they actually sounded.
DART makes heads and blocks for the 8.1/496
Raylar makes a 496/8.1 kit for 525 HP or 600 HP. They had stroker cranks at one time but you would have to inquire. He makes a very nice aluminum head for the 8.1/496. Nice product and priced fair for the level of products you get.
I havent run my boat in 5 months and started it today. The Raylar 600's started in about 2-3 seconds. To be honest, I forgot how good they actually sounded.
#5
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Dart Gen VII stuff and they even have an intake manifold for a swap over to a carb set up if U want to get rid of the MPI setup. They have blocks and heads also for this app. plus as above mentions of others. Is Raylar still around currently ? Just asking
Last edited by BUP; 10-12-2012 at 01:45 AM.