3 0f the same boat (year make and model) all have same options with full fuel , one has 496 ho's(425hp(75mph gps) one has 500efi's(470hp) (80mph gps) one has 525 efi's (525hp)( 85mph gps) seems to me that if installing the cmi exhaust for the 496 engines @ 55 claimed hp per side I should be able to hit the 80mph gps like the boat equiped with the 500efi's ?

is the 496HO 425 at the prop like the 470 you are stating for the 500? i would guess that the 500efi would out pull the 496 with headers with the same prop and gear ratio....

This is exactly what I was thinking<< >> I was also told that headers will not void the mercruiser warranty? (not sure i beleive it ?) Could take them back off?? But that wouldn't be right? Sounds like 496 HO way to go if you want a real warranty and then can always upgrade for more speed later.. (Is my conclusion) for whats it worth.. Change me mind way to much

don't the 496HO and 525 both come with one year warranty's?

No way go to mecury marine you can get up too 6 years total on the 496ho if its a mercury approved dealer something like that... I been driving the dealers crazy with all me questions Tuff to get a straight answer But I'm working on it..anyone know for sure chime in...I'm going off hearsay and mercury marines sight which is tuff to interpert!!

i am talking standard warranty, you can buy that mercury guard or whatever, but some of the guys on here have had a hard time getting stuff fixed.... but standard warranty is one year for both engines... and no way a 496HO with headers is gonna pull the same gear/prop as a 525 does (usually 535-540 HP)..

K now I'm thourougly confused I;m gonna start a thread on warranty's
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=119973