Ok I'm confused..Do both engines have 425 horsepower and is one or the other better or easier to maintain??..I'm NEW to all this stuff and I'm looking at a Baja Boss 272 and I trying to decide on which one??I would appreciate any Info...thanks

The newer engines are 496's the older engines are 454/502's. I prefer the 454/502 mags, forged internals and better for mods. The standard 496 is 375HP the 496 HO is 425HP the 502's are 415HP. What gets confusing is when we bore and stroke them. You can build many different combinations in the aftermarket.

The simple fact is the 496 is "newer", has closed cooling, Smartcraft, more horsepower, distributorless ignition system, quick drain system, and plenty of room to modify.

Nothing wrong with the 454/502's but they are older tech.

i have a 272 2001 with a 496 HO with over 650 hrs 0 problem exept a slave selenoid,run like new.

The 496 has been discontinued. The new 502 is 380 and 430hp I think. They share the majority of their components with the 525 and aside from having CATS are a pretty awesome package for the $.

but you will not find the new 502 in a 272 except if it was lately repower.

496 ho /mag is a great engine...... i have one but it has been discontinued as of last yr i believe
not a lot of mods available raylar i think has done the most
the 502 in my opinion is a better foundation for future hp upgrades