After $1k chip from Whpple, a set of $2k headers and throw a $15 can of Merc blue paint in the glove box, you can add 50-60hp to a 496HO. Now you have 475-485hp, SmartCraft and closed cooling ..... again, am I missing something .... there's got to be something I'm missing, because this seems like a no-brainer

But...... the 575 is "blueprinted" the rest aren't. Also when you go to resell it the stock blue engine "should" bring more than the modified black engine. And the 575 is built as a blower motor so if you want to get more power I would hope that an intercooler and pulley is all you need as opposed to new valves, gaskets and so on that are "recomended" when supercharging a black motor. Not that you have to add these things.

Sometimes perception is more important than reality.

I also promised Jo I wouldn't ever tell what I paid for my upgrade from a 500 to a 575 with ITS and XR..but it is waaaaaay less than what gets quoted on say a fountian web site or the difference between what is quoted between the "list" prices from BAM or a number of other resellers.

Aren't the internals under that blue paint drop forged unike the cast parts of the black engines?

It's my understanding that there are forged parts in the HO motor ... not sure.

As far as resale ... can you get $20k more for a twin engine boat with 500EFI over one with 496HO ??

I had a quote for GM Vortec 496s at $18k

Cast pistons in the 496 vs forged in the 500 and 575, I don't know about the 525

All have forged rods but the blue engines are shotpeened

The 496 and the 525 of course have closed cooling

Doesn't the 496HO have a forged crank?

I thought the 496HO and 525EFI had basically the same short block ....

G!!! You know better than you listen to those wacked out LOTO people!

Cig1, I hear ya! Kind of how I got started on the twin 6.2s. Basic cost for the twins was the same as one HP500 and they run the same speed. Although the cost of the oil changes is much higher.

Just like the HP-to-speed relationship is not linear, my guess is the HP-to-cost relationship is not linear either. Maybe that is a cross over point where from an engineering perspective you need the stouter internal parts (forged vs. cast etc).

Most of the serious engine builders I have talked to make the case that it's fairly tricky changing only one or two things on an engine - it's more of a total balancing act. Plus, you loose the express warranty. Without serious evidence to the contrary, we might want to give Merc the benefit of the doubt that the black motors are built for a particular use and the blue motors are built with a different use in mind.

On the other hand, Teague has made a HP620 for three years - for about the same coin as Merc's HP500 and it come with a one year warranty.

It is my understanding that the 525 is a 500 with a few different parts. IE valve covers, manifold, closed cooling etc.

What is the HP rating on a GM HP3. I don't know much about them but have heard the computer is super in them as far as helping to keep the motors from denoting if a problem arises.

The problem with modifing a 496, the warranty would go like some threads around here........poof!

BF ... I believe the 525 is 496ci and the 500 is 502ci

I'm not thinking about modifying my motors anytime soon and if I were to do anything, it would be to Whipple them.

In my boat the difference between 496's and 500's will get me around 3 mph .... a combined total of 100hp more doesn't net much. My boat needs another combined 300hp to make a real difference.