502 mag or 496 HO
 

I didn't get many responses in the tech section so Ill try here. Looking at buying a new boat witch way should I go? I will probably upgrade the motors in the future Procharger or Whipple. The 502 is a non current model what ever that means, I guess its been sitting around a while.


:confused:

New boat, go with the 496's...............

496 way to go , stick a puffer on top and you are rockin':D :D

I agree, I like the closed cooling of the 496.

A guy that used to modify a lot of boat engines told me to make sure I stick with the 496 since it can be modified much easier.

I don't know the details but he is a boat dealer and I felt comfortable with his answer.

I remember when the 496 came out, people held back a little saying that it was not a proven product, how aftermarket performance parts were not yet widely available, how the engine had some glitches due to the fact that it was a new product... But that's past now. The engine "tuners" did their job and performance parts are now widely available. The engine proved itself as well. Its electronic management system is much more advanced and it will in many cases actually save the engine if something goes wrong. It proved reliable and a good choice for recreational boating. I feel it's a step up and simply more advanced than the latest 502. So my choice, especially on a new boat would be the 496.

Dose the 496 HO have Forged crank and pistons or not?

IMHO, if you are planning to supercharge DO NOT buy the 496. The pistons are 9:1 cast hypereutectic and will not take the boost. I have heard this directly from Vortech and from Bob Teague. Look at the Procharger kit for this engine; only 3.5 psi, the Whipple kit only 4 psi. Even at this low boost I would question the reliability. Why spend the money for a supercharger kit that can deliver 7-8 psi psi and only be able to use half that? To me that doesn't make sense.

This is a shame since everything else about the new engine is great, but supercharging them is not a bolt-on. Actually, to have such a good engine and then curse it with cast pistons is what doesn't make sense.

If you buy the 502 engines you have lower compression, forged pistons and proven supercharger kits that can make 700-800 HP. Or you can buy the 496, run it until out of warranty, then have Arizona Speed and Marine build it into a naturally aspirated 600 HP with their new package (including forged pistons).

I agree with tomcat. If you are not going to super charge by all means the 496HO is a great motor. If you are going to add a blower, the 502 is better equipt for that application.

ttt