Forgive me for what might be a dumb question but I am installing my new CMIs on my 496 and step #23 in the instructions says to "install headers per Mercury Racing service manual protocol". Can anyone shed a little light on what the hell that is. How tight? Is there a sequence to tightening them?
Thanks I'll check back in in a while but now I am going back to standing on my head.

i didn't know there was a protocol. hows your head ?

25 lb. ft. is the torque on a 502, should be the same on a 496.

Report back on your real gains when you get those puppies
installed!!