Can anyone tell me the speed difference between the 496/425 and 502/500 in a single configuration? I know there is 75 more HP but what MPH gain is there, and can anyone tell me the pro and cons of supercharging a 425 with a Whipple or pro charger? I know both come with inter-coolers. What kind power/ speed advantage is really there?
Thanks,
Mike
"28 Single on the way"

Mike -

Here a couple of decent threads that might help you:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...6+supercharger

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...6+supercharger

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...6+supercharger

I've had in my cat (owned 3 yrs. bought new) a 454 mag mpi with whipple an had great results with it- the 454 was a great base motor and the whipple systems are so good I was impressed enough to become a dealer.

That said, IMO, the 496 are ok candidates for mild upgrades (low boost) but not the best. I now have a 575 merc with a whipple upgrade to 650 in my 28. I bought the boat used as an 03 (Thanks Mike) and did the Whipple upgrade.

If I were in your shoes and starting from scratch, I'd either go new 500 EFI or even a used one in a new boat and Whipple it either now or later. As an alternative you can go custom, but I'd only do that if there is a local dude with a good rep you can trust and work with.

502 is twice the motor as a 496 the new mercs are called throwaway 496 hurt them throw em away powderd iron not repairable .2cents

Your Welcome

LOL Brian, that is so true on the 496 another Merc invention gone

the problem is the huge price gap between the 496-500-525.
Id rather deal with the 496 for a year or so and then drop in a better motor. i don't know much about the internals of the 496 whether they are forged or not. I do that they can produce a little more power with forced induction(with low amounts of boost). Don't feel sorry for the one that bought that one maybe their pockets aren't quite as big as the rest.

what kind of speed increase are people getting with the whipple?

Im saying if you can find a 502 for simalar price the 502 would be my choice and a great base to build from .I realize the 496 has its place in the market just dont hurt one. Im not knocking the pakage just if we have a choice I would go 502 and the hp is a little better.Boat builders know, the 502 give a little more speed in most aplications.

I appreciate your honesty/ input! I just don't have the money right know for that particular motor so I'll have to make the best of the 496, but I do agree with you about the 502 being the better of the 2. I know they have good internals to make up the beefy bottom end that is great for charging or just for making more NA horsepower. When it comes time for the next motor/ major upgrade I will be sure to pick something that will last and something with big cubic inches and hopefully some mad HP.