The long time running 496ho debate..to keep or ditch
08-28-2019 | 02:41 PM
#12
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: SF Bay Area
70ish in a 29’ boat with a 496 is pretty respectable. If you really want to be up with the pack it’s really going to take a twin engine boat to play.
When all said and done you’ll be $10k into this with likely 5mph gain. The oil system will need to be upgraded and that can be $1500 quickly and the fuel system will need some new rigging and a decent fuel pump can be $500 on its on plus another few hundred in fittings. You’ll need good exhaust to let that big engine breath so there’s another $3k. And this isn’t even taking a spare drive into consideration.
IMHO, incremental mods don’t pay off in a boat like they do in a car, and unless you’re completely ready and willing to reinvent the boat with $20k and a winter upside down in the bilge I wouldn’t trade any mods at the risk of reliability.
When all said and done you’ll be $10k into this with likely 5mph gain. The oil system will need to be upgraded and that can be $1500 quickly and the fuel system will need some new rigging and a decent fuel pump can be $500 on its on plus another few hundred in fittings. You’ll need good exhaust to let that big engine breath so there’s another $3k. And this isn’t even taking a spare drive into consideration.
IMHO, incremental mods don’t pay off in a boat like they do in a car, and unless you’re completely ready and willing to reinvent the boat with $20k and a winter upside down in the bilge I wouldn’t trade any mods at the risk of reliability.
08-28-2019 | 03:37 PM
#13
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 922
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From: Lago Vista TX
I spent a TON of $$ on MY 290sc
It ran 70 with the 496 mag. 86 with 630 hp 555 and 102 MPH with 1020 hp Procharged 555....
Was a LOT of fun but hard to keep it on the water when it got rough...
I put it back to stock and bought a bigger twin engine boat
It ran 70 with the 496 mag. 86 with 630 hp 555 and 102 MPH with 1020 hp Procharged 555....
Was a LOT of fun but hard to keep it on the water when it got rough...
I put it back to stock and bought a bigger twin engine boat
08-28-2019 | 05:24 PM
#14
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Joined: Feb 2019
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From: vermont
I would love to get into the low 600hp and run low 80's that's exactly where I want to be. I am very aware that I will never run with the big boats in rough stuff but to hang in ideal conditions...sounds fun. I was looking for some answers on my options with this post, I appreciate all the responses but the majority have been slightly off topic. I will be upgrading power and just trying to figure out the best options for my situation. Thanks again!
08-28-2019 | 07:31 PM
#15
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,325
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From: Northern NY
Not to sound like the "Old Sage" here , but in that I have a few years of this boating chit under my belt, I will put forth a bit of advise that I was given many years ago ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, You want to go faster son? Buy yourself a faster boat. Works every time.
I have owned a Velocity, 100 MPH 32, #1 out of the mold. Your boat runs well, few upgrades will enhance it. It will never run with a boat 10 feet longer in rough chit. Period. Enjoy it for what it is or find a different one to do what you feel you need to do.
For me today,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, A nice 42 Fountain with some Merc 1550's at 150+ would be just dandy. Prob is my wallet can't cover that dream ride. Reality makes me very happy right where I am!
P.S. Here on that Hot Rod 32,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 7 / Seven blown to chit Bravos! How's that for having fun!
I have owned a Velocity, 100 MPH 32, #1 out of the mold. Your boat runs well, few upgrades will enhance it. It will never run with a boat 10 feet longer in rough chit. Period. Enjoy it for what it is or find a different one to do what you feel you need to do.
For me today,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, A nice 42 Fountain with some Merc 1550's at 150+ would be just dandy. Prob is my wallet can't cover that dream ride. Reality makes me very happy right where I am!
P.S. Here on that Hot Rod 32,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 7 / Seven blown to chit Bravos! How's that for having fun!
Last edited by RaggedEdge; 08-28-2019 at 07:40 PM.
08-28-2019 | 08:40 PM
#16
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 922
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From: Lago Vista TX
You can build 600 ish hp from scratch pretty much cheaper than upgrading the 496 and STILL have a good 496 to sell or re-install if you move to a bigger boat..
08-28-2019 | 11:39 PM
#17
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,313
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From: Tygart Lake, WV
Anyone have an opinion or even better experience on building the bottom end only and running a whipple setup?? Whipple claims their kit is extremely safe on the 496 with moderate boost on a completely stock engine, I would think with better pistons and rods it would be pretty solid
