Not to confuse the issue, but a 496 is a stroked 60 over 454. Not all 496s have to be Gen 7 motors. It's the first time in the BBC series, since 1965, that a motor is nothing like it's predecessors. No parts swapping with 454s etc. and parts are harder to come by.

Did you see the opening post ?

Nosuh... Even with that though, engines get swapped out all the time. My comment was just a heads up for some guys that might not know there are 496s that aren't Gen 7 motors.

Why do you say this? Other than some backorder pandemic related delays, it would seem you can get any part for them. It's hardly a low volume custom engine series.

If you've ever been a gear head you would know where I was coming from. I'm sure you can get any part for them on-line or even from dealers, but it's not like Mk IV or Gen 6 motors. Just about everything is interchangeable besides the crank from 1965-2000. Used blocks are everywhere for relatively reasonable prices and the knowledge base is far greater. I'm not saying a 496 is a bad motor. I wish I had one right now lol My motor is down...

I like to think I am a gear head! The 496 has to be one of the most debated, misunderstood, loved, hated motor in recent memory. In OEM form they were hard to fault IMHO. They have their quirks, sensors galore, over engineered cooling system, rage inducing water pumps, and god forbid you crack one open looking for more performance.

Probably in another couple of years all of the current LS marine engines will start showing their spots and we'll look back and say....those late model 496's were a peach.

Your 2002 (if original) has a gen 2 cool fuel system so you won't have the paint flaking issue. I actually like the gen 2 system, it has an adjustable fuel pressure regulator from the factory. Gen 3 cool fuel started in the mid 2000s, and at some point I think mercury fixed the paint flaking issue before the end of production. FYI my 2004 had a gen 2 in it.