Merc 496, Now Have Forged Pistons?
 

I heard somewhere that they may be using forged pistons and steel cranks in the all newer 496's not just HO's. Anyone have solid info on this?

Re: Merc 496, Now Have Forged Pistons?
 

I don't know about them but would like to . A friend of mine is looking at buying to new ones to repower with . what kind of performance can you get from these motors ? And what are the limitations ? obviuosly they used to have bad bottom ends ??

Re: Merc 496, Now Have Forged Pistons?
 

The new 496 engines still use a hypereutectic piston but they have added full floating pins in the 2004 versions. The original 496's came with a forged crank, but all new motors since mid 2003 come with a high performance cast nodular iron crank that is very strong. This crank can easily take 550hp and maybe more. If you need higher performance for this engine check our website @www.raylarengine.com. I don't know of any 496's that have failed in the bottom end and we have been thrashing them for about two years.
Thanks,
Raylar

Re: Merc 496, Now Have Forged Pistons?
 

The 496 Mag HO delivers considerable midrange horsepower and torque. I like the easy way you can empty the water jackets with that "pump" device Merc supplies. It would be nice if the engine had more of a "performance look" to it. I don't care for the thing being wrapped in black plastic. Anyone feel that way or is it just me?

Re: Merc 496, Now Have Forged Pistons?
 

I agree