Anyone have any insite on this motor vs the 496HO, it list as 5 more horsepower, is this the replacement motor for the 496?

Merc had one in their booth at the show yesterday. Didn't look to long. No blower or turbo on it. I believe it is a replacement for the 425ho mag. They had quite a display of all their stuff including all their new package's. I noticed that stuff they were not going forward with was not there like the 1200sc's, but I did not notice if they had a 496 on display or not.

Yes

GM is not building the 496 anymore, so Merc went back with the good ole 502

Does the new motor have a catalytic converter?

Yes but there are ways around that.

1) They are kind of a ***** to rig with tailpipes and Captain's call as the manifold/cc exit is about a foot farther aft than any other engine.
2) The cc definitely makes the engine compartment VERY hot. Heat in the box slows you down; no matter what engine you've got.

Other than that, they appear to be great motors.

Yes it is Eddie!

I am hear that old 496 HO have 425 BHP, but new one have reall 430 HP on prop shaft.
This is much more than 5 HP if it is true.

Pretty sure all Merc motors have been rated at propshaft HP for quite a while now.

Is the CC required now? If you have a new boat built that is equiped with a CC are you required to always have one? Not that it would be easy for anyone to check up on you.