i have the 496/whipple combo....luv it....but i run eagle rods and wiseco blower pistons.only problem is its hard to start,but whipple has an improved program for it.

ok,the response has all pointed away from the whipple on the 496.only 1 response from someone who has this setup,and he has aftermarket pistons&rods,this all confirms my theory that the 496 is not a good candidate for the whipple kit.whipple said their kit will produce around 650 hp,and im sure it will,but how long is the engine going to last with stock internals?i am a big fan of the whipple charger,just not on a 496.after my friend read this thread,he has decided to buy the boat with the hp500s.

I would have to agree. Anybody that is really into power boating and making modifications should not look at a boat with 496's unless they remove them and set them aside so you can build bigger power and reinstall those engines later when they go and sell the boat. I look at the 496's as an entry level engine package and they are for the pleasure power boater who just wants to turn the key and go without any hassles or worries. Besides, I have also found that boats with the 496's dont have or hold any resale value either. I think your friend made a very wise financial choice by going with the HP 500's.

i just want to clarify,imo,the 496, in stock configuration,is a good power package and will last a long time with proper maintainance.a friend has one in a cruiser style boat with a ton of hours on it,with no problems.

496 is good if left stock. Basically they are gm truck engines. Major downside is they really dont share much with your typical bbc parts wise. I wouldn't have a problem running 700-750hp thru a stock HP500 bottom end. Say with 871's or something like that. Steel crank, dot rods, and forged mini domes. A cam swap to like a crane 741, some good head gaskets, and a blower and your making some nice reliable power.

If they haven't been changed, watch the valve springs on the HP500. Known to start breaking around 200 hours or so