I am thinking of upgrading to a new Formula. There are some 2008 - 2010 models around with sets of 8.1's, in other words with 496 or 496 HO engines. The new 8.2 has just come out. Mercury's website says these are built for marine use from the ground up, are more efficient, and have catalyst converter. Opinions on grabbing a boat with the "old" 496 or 496 HO vs. one waiting a bit or seeking one with the new 8.2 engines? I boat on Lake Superior (not CA). Thanks!!

I'd buy a leftover with 496's and save some coin. The 496 has proven to be a solid motor. I have 260 trouble free hours on mine to date.

If you buy a new boat with the converters will you always be required to use them?

Say you wanted to re-power down the road and not use them. I realize the converter police are not going to come knocking at you door. Just thinking.....

The "new" 8.2 motor is a 502. It is basically a de-tuned 525hp motor with smog stuff on it. It is a way better motor than the 496. GM dropped the 496 from its production line and went back to the 502 platform.. hence mercury had to follow suit.

The internals and parts availibility for the 502 are better than the 496. It also makes more power.

Chris

You will save major $ and have a proven performer with the 496HO's and no smog bull____. I'm not fond of getting the first version of any new motor coming on the market especially with all the new pollution control on it. Not many test hours compared to the 496's. My understanding is that the boat builders cost increased by about 10k for these new motors. EEK!

Good Luck.

Once again... this is not a new motor... it is the same 502 that has been used by mercury for a long time... just new bolt on stuff. It has way stronger internals than the cast stuff in the 496 motors.

Chris

I would wait a few years, I think all the smog stuff is going to cause a good motor to be bad.

California has required catalysts in new boats since the beginning of '08. The only exception was the 4.3 L six. I've really never heard of any issues with marine engines out there, although that doesn't mean there aren't any.

I agree the new 8.2 is a better motor and if he was looking to buy a FasTech and run the crap out of it I would say go with the new motor. However, looking at what he currently owns my guess was he was going to stay in the SS line and a 496 is more than adequate for powering those boats.

Does it matter for regular use? 496s have a great reputation for dependability and can be had at a better price right? Modification is another matter. I put many hours on mine with nothing but turn key operation.