Running a 496 Mag HO at around 75-76 mph and wanna get to at least 80 without doing major modifications....Is this possible. Whats the best bang for the buck out there? What have you 496 guys seen perfomance gain wise with mods you've tried?

Boat is a Donzi 22 Classic, 496 HO, Bravo 1x
Prop = 27 Mirage Plus at around 5300 RPM and getting 75-76 mph.

Thanks guys.

I'd say a good exhaust may get you there.
If it doesn't, you'll probably need the good exhaust for any other mods to be effective.

prop work and bolt ons might get you close....but it'll take more im afraid.

Send your prop to BBlades. Have them up-pitch it to get your RPM down to where it should be (5000-5100 rpm)
Running at 5300 is doing you no good..the engine is not making any power at that high of rpm.
With the up-pitch,you should see 2-3 MPH gain in top end.

He should be hitting the rev limiter before 5300rpms anyway.

I believe the new models raised their outdrives by about 2 inches. A setup change like that or a shorty along with prop selection/labbing might get you there without modding the motor.

A pair of CMI's new 8.1 exhaust, low cost and simple install.

There is your answer. Props and X-dimension.

Be Careful.

WHIPPLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or RAYLAR !!!!!!!!!!!! is the only way to go for real performance upgrade on 496

Exhaust, you will be very disappointed, on their was another thread on a guy who put CMI sport tube headers on and saw NO gain at all on a 496HO, Headers are great only if you have a high HP motor, they don't do chit for a 496HO stock.

A pair of CMI's new 8.1 exhaust, low cost and simple install.

Hi Joe from John and Carol on Paynes Point, waiting to get my 27 in with Kevin & Donna's 35 and tip a few cold ones at the Stretches.

See ya when the weather warms and ice melts.

Take care
John