Depends on the internals and what Merc did to marinize it. How many 502 MAG's made their advertised HP? This was one of Merc's weakest offerings in their black motor lineup. Of the half dozen 496 MAG HO powered boats I've been in, all have ran very strong. Toss in the closed cooling and easy winterizing and it is a more than worthy replacement to the 502 MAG. I have a 496 MAG in my current boat and find it a little short-winded compared to the 454 MAG. The 454 MAG MPI was one of if not the best offering in Merc's black motor lineup. It will be interesting to see if Merc ever adopts the 496 block into their blue motor lineup.

Re-read my original post..."if you are leaving them naturally aspirated".

sad thing about that pic is that it did not have whipple or procharger on it ,completly stock 496ho!

DOH!! Did a valve kiss the piston or did it just commit suicide on its own?

I put a hole in my piston with a Procharger 3lbs boost. Take it from me, if you add any kind of boost you must upgrade at least the pistons. When i rebuilt my motor i put the best of everything. Its some what of an insurance policy. Don't forget about the cost of upgrading your outdrive,steering etc. Good luck in you adventure!