So I am not going to run the flame arrestor cover on my newly completed engine, but the flame arrestor looks like crap with nothing on it -- can I get decals somewhere that indicate it's a 502, heck I'd even take a Merc one -- I'd love to pretend OMC wasn't ever involved here anyhow

Find a local sign or vinyl shop. They should be able to make anything you want. Then you can match the colors of the boat/engine with your decal.
Eddid

Looks don't help performance. I'd just get a good flame arrestor and be done with it.

<sigh>...

Yea , but if it doesn't run good , at least it will look good !

Search FLAME ARRESTOR on ebay.

I did -- I can buy a whole flame arrestor for about $100+ or get a Merc one for about $300....it's ridiculous. As noted above I don't care a LOT what it looks like and there is nothing wrong with the one I have. I don't need it to look great, but when I pop the hatch I just spent a decent amount of money so a little "flare" would be nice.....

Stopped at a Vinyl shop and they are going to do one for $18.

www.signarama.com