Yep, after their second year of production it pretty much comes down to cam and programming.

BD,

I couldn't tell from your post but are the specs
you posted for the 2003 model year? You mentioned that this model year and last they had 496=Cast and 496HO=forged cranks. Were you referring to the 2001 and 2002 model years? I am very close to closing on an early 2002 boat with a 496HO and want to make sure which crank it has. Thanks.

The HO version has always had the forged and is good to go on the procharger...

While we are on the subject of the 496 HO ....What has been your expierience with break in on these motors. I am told they are set up by Merc to run way rich during break in ( 20-30 ) hrs and then the computer automaticly leans them out. We are getting a large amount of black soot on the transom and under the swim platform. I understand this happens on most of these but not all. What have you guys heard or seen? Thanks again for all of your replies.

Paul...it'll clean up after 15 hours or so. I still get soot after 90 hours. It's not bad though. I hear Whipple is coming up with a reprogrammed chip that will lean it out a bit, along with some other mods.

Indy,
Thanks for the input.

I also cannot get a straight answer on the rev limiter. Are they computer stepped against # of hrs run? It seem that up to 10 hrs or so the motors only top out at 4500 to 4600 RPM. They are factory set if I am not mistaken to 5150 RPM. Does the computer raise the limit automaticly after a predetermined number of running hours?

Paul...How did the run go?? We were in Montauk and the seas seemed calm, it was a little cloudy out but seemed a good day for a run.
I don't know about the rev limiter during initial break-in. I never ran mine up until I had 15+ hours on it. Steve Fisher

The run went very well. Water conditions were near perfect but the cloud cover and threat of rain hounded us all day. We received a number of e-mails from people who woke up looked outside and went back to bed. The post grill party was great. Fantastic food and lots of laughs. Later in the day a bunch of boats shot over to the Hamptons to hang out and party till early evening. Our next event will be to Essex Island Marina on the CT River. I expect you to run with us for that one! If anyone is interested in registering for that you can contact us at [email protected]. You can visit our website later this week to see some pics from Saturdays run. LIOPA.com Click on the SHelter Island Run Page.

:D Paul :D

ccarloss,

I'm afraid I don't have the answer to that...All I know is that some time ago when I would look up the specs, the cranks were different(cast=496 and forged 496HO). Obviously, that is not the case anymore...But it was a very recent change. Chances are that the changes may not have even hit the market yet.

The rev limiter should be a constant 5150 regardless of hours, however, for the first 10 or 20 hours, I forget which, the motor runs rich during break-in, thus not developing full potential until after break-in.