Mag Vs HO engines
 

Is there a big difference between the 496/8.2l mag and Ho engines.. I know it's a 50hp difference but would i see a significant differences between the two.. I have a Velocity 260, and i feel i've had enough with my current engine..i started with a 7.4l mpi, then moved to a 560hp carb engine that has been trouble from it's inception..i'm not really looking for all out speed, just something that i can enjoy the boat with my family.. So in a nut shell, i'm looking to move to either a 496 or the new 8.2.. yes i still want to run the boat hard at times but looking for something more realiable... i do have hydraulic steering but no tabs, so was wondering if getting on plane will differ between the two as well as how fast it will top out at..

thanks
Q

on my baja 272 2001 with 496 MAG my best was 63,after installing a HO cam and ECM (the only difference with MAG) my best is 66.4. most of the time 63-64 i cant see any difference in holeshot,i am near 700 HRS troubles free exept 1 slave selenoid and 1 sea pump impeller on the engine.

thanks ZX

ZX, I'm curious about the switch from mags to HOs. I have been considering converting my two 496 mags to HOs but have reservations on how this would affect my reliability. My two 375s will push my 32 Victory w/28p 4 blade bravos to around 77 now(a little faster in cool water), and would be curious of how much gain I could expect.

From what I have READ the difference between the 496 Mag and HO is closer to 30hp.

Merc website states the HP of the Mag at 375 and the HP of the HO at 425. I'm sure it varies with each motor though.

Yep and most Mags dyno around 390-395. Again, just what I have read no first hand experience.

Probably be minimal performance gains but I LOVE the way the HO sounds! That little lope at idle just make it sound so much faster! I have been tossing around the idea for awhile, and know exactly who would do it too. I am just concerned about the reliability factor. I can't afford to hammer a $10k motor just for sound...... I'm just a little fish in this game...

CrownHawg, same hear, just looking for that reliability factor..just dished out for my current motor, and i looking to change already, only 30hrs on this motor..

Looks sweet! I really like the "stock power" factor though.