I want to set a $6000 limit this summer on an engine build up. 01' 496mag HO, stock everything. Price has to include a new prop, and parts only. Where would you HO guys start? Headers, and cam? Raylar?

thx

I'm not sure of the exact price of the CMI's for the 496, but I think they are between 4000 and 4500. Those and a prop are most of your budget and you probably won't see much improvement for it.
Hardin is making a set of headers for the 496 that are much cheaper than the CMI's, but I don't know the exact price.

best bet is to call Ray, he has his 103 kit which makes 525hp with stock headers, think the price is between 5-6k.

Headers arent a must....if there is more bang for your buck with internals than I will go there. But, CMI's and a prop should leave me another grand-ish...i would think.

Our BCK103 kit will get you our new aluminum heads, stainless roller rockers, new intake manifold, new billet camshaft, new ARP special head bolts and new Cometic MLS head gaskets. Everything you need except a tube of gray sealant. This kit will cost you $6360.00 plus UPS and will give you a real +100HP on your stock 496 block and ECM. It will probably require a prop change. I have seen a lot of nice low hour Bravo 4 blades for about $300-400. On a 27 fountain this real 100 hp increase properly set up should give you about 8-10 mph increase. this is a little over your budget but not by much. I am thinking a set of CMI's will set you back about $5k unless you have silent choice-captains call in which case it will set you back about $6K. the Dana Exhaust is about $2500 and I would think the 40HP or so gain of the headers/header manifolds will give you about 3-4 mph with or without a prop change, depending on your current max rpms and prop type. Put the CMI's or Dana exhausts on top of our kit and you would be at about 560 to 570HP and a subsequent addtional cost and speed increase. Sounds like you got some deciding to do. If we can help, let us know.

Regards,
Ray @ Raylar

FYI: I re-powered the boat this winter and was able to make an even swap with my props (IE: sell used one for $400, buy used one at proper pitch for $400)

From....?

Nobody in particular, list and shop here on the OSO classifieds. Just pointing out that the prop expense can be offset by selling your old one if the pitch needs to be changed.

$6K would buy you a pro-charger.

and a bottle of aspirin to go with the headache it causes