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The 496/8.1 is it's own animal. Different block, heads, intake, exhaust etc. It's largely a metric engine too. It does have some neat advancements though, like built in cam sensor, crank sensor, extra head bolts, priority main oiling, oring type gaskets, all main caps are 4 bolt. It's the only big block that has ever made it through Mercury durability testing to the end, so it has some stuff going for it. You've just got to be a "different" kind of person to hot rod one. And if you want to take it to another level, you get the 8.8L PSI version that was actually an LS big block that Chevrolet developed but never brought to market. Chevrolet sold the rights to PSI engine and they make it now. Guys are just now starting to figure out the potential of that platform.
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Originally Posted by smokediver
(Post 4883633)
Great build ! Thank you for sharing. Headers look nice , work great , but imco and stainless Gen 3 won’t crack . I believe stainless marine offers a 5 year warranty..
Yes, they do seem more durable, but I'm not sure the HP gains are there as with long tube headers. I really want to hear someone's experience with the Dana Flow Torque exhaust here: https://www.marineindustrieswest.com...productid=3670 |
Originally Posted by Ryan00TJ
(Post 4883758)
Great thread! Engine and VR 1 look awesome!
Curious what rpm your running a stock bravo 28p? I would say a labbed 30p bravo 1 would be a runner. I can only pull mine to 4800-4900 yet it's almost as fast as my 28 bravo. I'll keep you posted, this season was really just install, get it running, and break it in! I'll hopefully get to the exhaust, fine tuning, and prop selection in the spring! |
James,
I sent you a DM, I have a set of CMI 496 Headers, new in box I will sell for less than new cost. Brett Performance Boat Center |
Originally Posted by BrettM
(Post 4885928)
James,
I sent you a DM, I have a set of CMI 496 Headers, new in box I will sell for less than new cost. Brett Performance Boat Center These are James' if he wants them, and I have no intentions of undercutting him. But.... I don't know if I'll be able to get them past the war department, but I'd maybe be interested in them. What benefit would these be over the stock manifolds on an otherwise stock 496HO with an M1 Procharger? Send me a PM with pricing if you don't want to post it publicly. Thanks. Brad. |
I like the book idea and wouldn’t take offense to it. That’s almost a free shortcut.
An engine builder spends his entire life learning all the things that are in his head and everyone wants to be given all that information in the short duration of their single project, and for free. They take dozens of phone calls a day from tire kickers and a few from people wanting info so they can start selling engines themselves…so they develop this shell. Have some patience to get past the shell, and you find the part of them that made them love engines and they DO want to share it with people. Does the money part change things….yes for sure. It is not a hobby to them…that is how they put food on the table. Cool thread thanks for sharing |
Originally Posted by DRAG
(Post 4886116)
I like the book idea and wouldn’t take offense to it. That’s almost a free shortcut.
An engine builder spends his entire life learning all the things that are in his head and everyone wants to be given all that information in the short duration of their single project, and for free. They take dozens of phone calls a day from tire kickers and a few from people wanting info so they can start selling engines themselves…so they develop this shell. Have some patience to get past the shell, and you find the part of them that made them love engines and they DO want to share it with people. Does the money part change things….yes for sure. It is not a hobby to them…that is how they put food on the table. Cool thread thanks for sharing Some people get it! Glad you enjoyed! 🤘🤘🤘 |
Originally Posted by PQ290Enticer
(Post 4883771)
Sounds like Larry needs to hire a "PR person" and he should stick to turning wrenches. This has been on my mind for a while, is the Merc 496 a complete stand alone engine? Different block, heads, intake, exhaust etc? Wtf would you do that when everyone else just bores and strokes a 454 and you have unlimited resources and more power than Merc's 496? Why would you buy a Merc 496 knowing the restrictions? Not trying to hijack the thread. I too am looking forward to your final numbers when you get it dialed in.
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James,
Congratulations on a smoking deal on some headers, let us know when you get them mounted! Brett |
Originally Posted by BrettM
(Post 4886714)
James,
Congratulations on a smoking deal on some headers, let us know when you get them mounted! Brett Arrived today! Performance Boat Center for the win!!!! Huge shout out to Brett and George for the help! THANK YOU!!! Performance Boat Center Osage Beach, MO 573-873-2300 Now to figure out how to mount these up to the existing exhaust! CMI sells tailpipes but not sure the route I need to go. Who are the exhaust specialists on here? https://www.performanceboatcenter.co...iety-of--parts https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...de4b8c8572.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...bd28c825e3.jpg |
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