I may be in the market for a 24 (95-2000) whats a better package a 496 HO or 502 MPI? Thanks for any input. Jeff

A 1995 to 2000 boat is not going to have a 496HO unless it was repowered.
As for the 2 engines, the 496HO is newer tochnology, makes more power, and burns less fuel.
The old school 502Mag is build with forged internals so it is a better base for a potential HP upgrade.

find a 500 efi

496 HO for salt water use because it has closed cooling but like Pat said it would not have been like that from the factory that way during those years. Personally I like the 502 and the HP500 502 makes a 24 go very nicely

Thanks for the input guys.....Pat thats kinda what i figured. Ironman....hell its hard to find a nice clean 24, let alone a hp 500! wish i knew one, let alone local....

Find a boat you like first. Adding power/repowering is the easy part...
Good luck with your hunt!

innovation marine in sarasota should still have some of the 496 /525 hp vortecs with closed cooing fairly cheap too

Thanks guys again. I live up on lake erie and figured pantera is a great hull for those waters. Even going from my 21 scarab to a 24 pantera with hydraulic steering, trim tabs and a little more power is a decent upgrade, I'm looking to spend 25-30k for a 24 that is clean, finished cabin and can get to mid 70's. Now i just have to sell my 21 scarab 454(B1 drive w/nose cone) which i believe is the cleanest one around. I figured in time and a little patience i will be part of the pantera family hopefully sooner than later! Thanks again for any input. Jeff

Well, you just missed my old one.
Was only for sale in this forum.
Sold and is now in FL.

Good luck in your search... don't be scared of one w/o power either... thats an easy find.

So if my choice is a 502...should i find a 502 efi or 502 mpi i heard they mpi need constant maintainence well compared to the 496ho. Did the 502mpi have known problems? and is a HP500 motor the same as a 500efi, if not which one is better? Thanks again guys for the help. Jeff
Stormrider....what did you have in your 24?