I am most likely purchasing a new 27' to 28' single engine boat this year and am going back and forth between engines (496HO or HP500EFI). My final goal is a solid 72-75mph boat at 6200 feet elevation, with regular trips to sea level. I am not afraid to put a whipple on the motor if I have to, after the warranty is up. Nordic, Fountain and Formula are the most likely candidates right now. With that in mind any suggestions on motors? Thanks.

I owned the 28 Nordic with a 500 Bulldog boat ran a solid 72 mph, had a 420 blower installed (5 pounds of boast) boat ran 84 mph.

I would pass on the 496 which has cast pistons and perhaps crank if there is a slightest chance of a Whipple in your future. You may be able to find a 454 or 502 mag somewhere as a leftover which is a much better affordable candidate. Make sure you get the XZ or XR drive. Good luck!

Wait & see what's up with the new Vortec's..

For the price difference between the 496 and 500EFI you could add the whipple to the 496 and have more power, speed and change in your pocket.

Hey, Real Deal!

What prop and top RPM did you have, before the blower?

Thomas

[ 01-06-2002: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Does the 495MAG HO bolt on without mods in place of a 7.4MPI BravoIII in a turnkey repower? How about the HP500 and is it compatible with the BravoIII?

From what I can tell the HP500 is about $8,000 more but it includes $3,000 CMI Headers... $5000 for a blue printed/heavy duty HO motor does not seem to unreasonable to me, if I had $20,000 to dish out that is.

Jamal

Whipple the HP. Mine is sweet. Check out the pics.

engine stb
engine port
whipple
cmi

[ 01-06-2002: Message edited by: BadCat ]

How many on this board have actually run at 6200ft in elavation? I do on a regular basis and believe me you will need a blower to reach those speeds.I lost 12 mph after correctly proping my boat by going up 6200ft. The only solution was after the blower was installed.My expierance is that 6200ft +5psi boost=sea leval

I'm with ya on that Donzi22. I am usually at 3200ft and I loose 5 mph (65) from 500ft elavation. If money isn't the issue the HP500 will get you the closest, but I think 75 is a stretch without a whipple. My plan is to add the whipple this year. Just my .02 worth!