If the cast pistons are the weak point on the 496 ho, would I be ahead if I pulled the port motor which runs fine and install forged pistons?

To be perfectly honest with you, i would get away from the 496's all together,sell the one you have and put the money towards some 500's efi's or check out the replacement 502's that merc is coming out with(they may be out already)..the 496's are discontinued and wont be easy to get parts for in the future..

[QUOTE=mrfixxall;3203939]To be perfectly honest with you, i would get away from the 496's all together,sell the one you have and put the money towards some 500's efi's or check out the replacement 502's that merc is coming out with(they may be out already)..the 496's are discontinued and wont be easy to get parts for in the future..[/QUOTE


What this guy said

Agree I looked at a boat a few weeks ago with 496s and I thought the same thing.After hearing all the piston stories my friend had one let loose also I would only go with blue motors.

I agree also...hard to beat a HP500 simple reliable !!! all this hi tech stuff great...till it breaks, then all your gains just left the building !

Sounds like a good time to get rid of the 496s. I did. Mine found a new home in Germany. This one went in it's place:

Restore I think it is.

Sorry for the luck!

Just freshened a 496 for a customer and he was like why do I have to put forged pistons in they are so much more, now he understands.

blocks can be had and it can be fixed/upgraded

Jim

www.ozarkspeedandmarine.com

32 Sunny with 496HO's running around Iowa. Nick?

sorry to hear that.

-shane

Nick sold his Sunny a few weeks ago...

I dated a girl once who had a formula on the hudson. She would run that thing (496ho) from the GW wide open up river for 10 miles. I'd just shake my head and mumble "ignorance is bliss". I guess I assumed they were bullitt proof. Sorry to find out not. Good luck