Anybody know or have graphs depicting the HP and torque curves of these two motors? How do they compare performance wise in a single engine boat 27ft or less?

i don't believe it is even close, are you just debating on power or adding the cmi's to your 496?

find a boat with the efi for much more $$$ or get one with an HO and add some CMI's with a little bigger loan to cover them.


I have the 496 mag right now, but im selling the boat.

The CMI's will give you 55 additional ponies on your 496 package.

I'm sure there is a big difference in torque.

I can only speak from a 288 point of view but the difference IMO is not very much at all.. a 496ho 288 will do 70, a 500efi 288 will do 72-73, I think the HO's are pretty tourqey wasn't that the purpose of stroking the 454 out to 496... Unless your going for a 525 a 496 with headers or a raylar kit isn't a bad choice, your paying a lot of money for blue paint with the 500 efi..

Yeah, thats why I ask how a 496HO with the CMI's does against a stock HP500efi in a single engine boat. Near the same prop hp? Torque curves similar or shifted? Any opinions?

Wont get much on the single 2-3 MPH. The twin results I have heard have been between 5-7 mph after props.

I was under the impression that the Blue motors had beefer internal workings compared to the 496

They will be very close, both right at 470-480hp, similar torque, and you can expect similar mph . 496 is just a more reliable, closed cooled updated motor, looks cool with the cmi's and a billet cover, or Raylars 103 kit will put you in the 575 hp range .