496Mag vs. 496Mag HO
 

Ok, simple question, what is the difference between the 496Mag and the 496MagHO, besides 50hp.

Also, please share any expereince with these motors.

I currently have a HP500EFI in my current boat, thinking of trading up in boat size to twins and the 496HO appears to be pretty close to the HP500 in performance that I can not see paying the difference.

Opinions please!!!!:confused:

I beleive its the crankshaft and camshafts that are upgraded , along with different ecm settings. There is a diff in the rev limiter as well , I think the 496 is at 4600 and the 496HO is 5100. The 500hp is a much stronger motor with a much higher grade of components. sj

As of now, the differences are:

496 MAG = cast crank
496 MAG HO = Forged crank, more aggressive cam, ecm programming.

However, word is that since the HP3's(496 HO HO's:D) which are putting out about 525HP are performing so well in testing and APBA racing with the cast crank, that for 2003, the forged crank will not be available.

Steve,
I guess we were posting at about the same time.

However, the 496MAG operates at 4400-4800 rpm and the HO at 4600-5000 rpm. You're right about the rev limiters, though!

thanks Steve and Baja,

I have had troubles with my Hp500EFi and that thing is expensive to work on, parts are all custom for Merc. I needed a piston at $340, friend needed an oil pump $520, liftera at $90 each, so on and so on.

I knew that the blue paint cost a lot, but didn't realize how much more once in the shop. Black paint will do me just fine next time around.:cool:

The easy maintenance promised with these motors make them sound good also.

Any issues with the closed cooling?

Nope, works beautifully!