496 mag VS. H.O.
 

Were possibly ordering a new boat, and the upgrade from the 496 mag to the H.O. is 5 grand,, wondering if the regular mag has all the same GOOD parts as the H.O. like crank, valve train, pistons, rods..

Thinking of taking the 5 grand and having AZ speed or Whipple or tyler crocket or somebody of their caliber do some HP upgrades,,, could probably get about 500 our of the mag motor for less than 5 grand and be 75 hp and a few grand ahead..

Any thoughts or considerations about this, would love some input.. Thanks Chris..

Also has anyone modified a regular mag motor and what were your results..

Do a search here you should get a few hits as this has been discussed before.

cam and ecu are the only difference

chris put this topic on general discussions it will get more hits . did you get any info from these engine builder about upgrades and if you can run 89 octane fuel ?

Chris,

The 496 Mag has a steel crank and the HO has a forged crank. Otherwise Muffman is correct, cam and ecu are the only other difference. The cam is upgrade is $550.00 and the ECM is $1600.00 Cheeper to cahnge the parts yourself and pick up the extra 50 HP.

Lean on the dealer a bit more...you should be able to upgrade for around 3 grand and wind up with a better "base engine" for future mods. Also, you can keep your warranty intact for at least a year, more if you go for the extended and do not modify. Depends on what your priorities are...only you know that.

Best of luck,

G-

Not true. The HO originally had a forged crank (very early), but now both models have a cast crank and cast pistons. Even the 525hp HP3 motor has a cast crank.

If we are talking about a complete package here (drive and engine) you will get the Bravo One X drive with the HO version instead of the standard Bravo One.

This bugs the begeebers out of me. Why are there so many opinions about these engines ? And if OSO is such a great place to get high performance boat information and has such an impact on the high performance boating industry, why doesn't someone from Merc. come on here and answer this question.

Based on a couple of posts here that contradict each other, you do not really know what is the correct answer.

I am not an engine guy per say, but the 525 HP, or the
HP3, with a cast crank.....that is difficult to believe. Forged is stronger due to work hardening in the forging process and has better grain alignment for better stress distribution for an overall stronger more durable crank shaft. My 500 HP's had forged cranks.

I agree you should lean on the dealer more. $5,000 sounds a little steep to me. Remember you are in control, it's your money. Make him earn it.

Hey Chris,
We've been working with these engines for over two years now. I can tell you that none of the newer 496HO engines has forged cranks. Everything is the same except cam and ecu programing. Sounds like the dealer is hitting you hard for the upgrade. Save your money our aluminum heads will be available in March and our new cams in April. They will give you 500+ HP with ecu reprogram. Just get the XZ drive minimum.
Good Luck Raylar:cool: