US1 Fountain

iTrader: (1)

Considering a couple of boats. Same yr, hours, make and models, only difference is the motors. Besides the obvious WOW factor, top end speed (78 vs 84 mph), and more $$ for the 500's, what is the opinion between the 2? BTW, 78mph is fine for most of our use.
Looking mainly for the turnkey, reliability, user friendly, never have to tinker with issues. My guess the 502EFI has the edge there.
What kind of fuel economy differences would there be if both were driving the same for an even comparison? How much difference as far as take off and throttle response at cruising speeds?
I guess my main question is,
Is the 500 worth the extra cha ching if the 502's meet your requirements?
Thanks,
Jerry

blue thunder

Depending on how much additioanal ching, I would go with the 500s. Typically the higher top end will get you a higher cruise speed capability, which is nice.

My .02

BT

Scott

I have read your posts and talked to you from time to time over the last couple years and you just don't seem like the guy that will be able to leave anything stock alone.
Spend the extra coin
Actually after reading your post it almost seems like it was someone else using your screen name

US1 Fountain

iTrader: (1)

Scott, that's the problem. I "think" I'm ready to leave it alone.

Heading to the Louisville boat show in a bit, maybe I'll look at canoes or flat bottom fishing boats.

Out There

Spend the money now and save yourself more money later. Once you have the 502's it will most likely cost much more to upgrade them later. I also suspect you will be happier with the boat overall with 500EFIs.

mcollinstn

500EFI's or HP500's?
How much extra is it gonna take to get the same boat with the 500's?

Resale is typically better for 500's but if the boat runs 78 with 502EFI's then that's no slouch either.

DanB

Are they 500 carb motors or EFI? CMI or Gil exhuasts? Thats worth some loot right there and Carb s will give you more options down the road. Easier to rework and your getting 6 mph and about 50 more hp now. Whats the diff in price? If its no more then a few thou I say go for the 500's.
And you know youll be in them motors next winter!!!

Dan

Andy Buzz

It is not just a horsepower issue. The torque is far greater on an HP500 and the setup is far more robust. If you burn the lightbulb at the hottest setting in either case both will eventually fail. On the hand, the HP500 wont need to work as hard to achieve its goal so if you want to cruise at 65 it should be easier. The 500 will also turn a bigger prop and hence even more efficiency at cruise. In either case, if you wanna raise hell, bring on another thousand. BOAT!!!

mcollinstn

Both motors share what is essentially the same rotating assembly. Same measure of mechanical robustness.

HP does include roller rockers, whereas 502EFI does not.

BUT on flipside, HP uses higher lift cam that is harder on valvesprings.

Robustness in the form of "component reliability" probably leans the tiniest bit towards the 502EFI.

With that said, if the money difference between the two were reasonable, I would buy the HP500 and never look back.

US1 Fountain

iTrader: (1)

Oops, kinda forgot about this post.
The motors are carbed HP500's. Around the 10k mark in difference. I don't know, them blue motors sure are purty! But will the difference now in price still be there in a few yrs, or will it come to very little difference?

Mike, would this reversion problem still be a condition with a 2-3 yr old motor? Or has there been a cam change? There are a chit load of these 502mags out there. Hate to think it is a problem with all of them. Thanks