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.

i have more than 500 HRS after the cam and ecm swap with no issu (easy job)like i said on my boat it was about 3 4 MPH i dont know wit 2 engine maybe 5- 6 mph ???.i dont drive the boat to hard,most of the time between 3500-4000 RPM.

ZX, that sounds great! I spoke with Bob L this summer and he was fairly optimistic as to reliability as well. I figured I could possibly turn a set of 30p props if I went with the HO setup. I am borderline right now turning the 28s at 4700-4800. It came with 26s and they were waaaayy too short, running around 5000-5100. Still pondering.

by my experience i think that you will keep the 28 but you will turn them to 5000-5100.the REV alarm on the HO is 5150.on my baja with the mag and a mirage + 23 the best was 4800, with the HO 5050 on the smartcraft digital RPM.i made the swap in 2002 at this time i have to buy cam and new ecm from mercury but now i think that you can have the ecm reflash and a better cam.you can contact raylar 866-496-8181
858-277-1109_fax
for technical info [email protected]
for sales and services [email protected]
for accounting [email protected]
for vendors and distributors [email protected]

if you plan to do the swap yourself i think i can scan the section in the shop manuel that explain how to do it,the only special tools you need is a puller and a torque rench and a tool to disconec the fuel suply to the rail.

According to Dustin @ Whipple who have done alot of testing, they are within 2% of their rated power. (He uses SAE ratings, so it's the same as merc)

If you are running 77 on average, 82ish should be the number, and maybe 83+ on the cool day with the sun in your back ect.

Oh and don't you also have to change th TB?

NO you only have to drill the existinng hole in the throttle plate to1quater.it is not a must but the idle will be smoother.

That'd be nice! Oh, and no, I wouldn't do it myself. It would be a winter project for a "professional".... I know just the man.

anyway if you need the the part of the shop manuel shoot me a e mail:[email protected]

Thanks! I may take you up on that!

zx14k...where are you from?...with a name like that,you're probly not far from me !!

i am from sherbrooke PQ most of my boating is on the lake memfremagog.

im curious...... both versions of the 496 are great motors dont get me wrong
but if your considering a repower....... why a discontinued engine?