Yes this is basically a 502 Magnum engine with all Mercury built parts. And there is really no issue with upgrading this engine, already working on it. There's some emissions laws, but we've been doing that for 21 years so no real worries. The great thing for us, all our products already fit these engines so we just need to work on the computer control, which we've been doing :)

Money, that LSA motor is far more expensive than a 502 motor. I bet its 60-80% cheaper for them, not to mention, they get to keep they're assembly line moving. LSA comes pre-assembled from Mexico and GM won't get around that. GM also only assembles those motors when the proper qty has been ordered so they're maybe times you need some motors, but can't get them until a big enough order has been placed by multiple vendors.

I can see a nice Whipple sitting on top all ready:coolcowboy:
the question is it a 2.3 or 3.3????

Thanks.....makes sense.,

Update?
 

I know it's still early days, but any update on Stage 1, Stage 2 or other "stuff" for the new 8.2L? As this is basically all Merc except for the GM block, wondering how much comes from the blue power folks (the intake manifold looks like it came from the 500 EFI) and whether this could withstand supercharging. Also wondering if a cat-back application (I don't know, maybe a bigger poop chute) could save the warranty but let it breathe out a little easier. Or maybe just spend and pollute with the 525.