I heard somewhere that they may be using forged pistons and steel cranks in the all newer 496's not just HO's. Anyone have solid info on this?

I don't know about them but would like to . A friend of mine is looking at buying to new ones to repower with . what kind of performance can you get from these motors ? And what are the limitations ? obviuosly they used to have bad bottom ends ??

The new 496 engines still use a hypereutectic piston but they have added full floating pins in the 2004 versions. The original 496's came with a forged crank, but all new motors since mid 2003 come with a high performance cast nodular iron crank that is very strong. This crank can easily take 550hp and maybe more. If you need higher performance for this engine check our website @www.raylarengine.com. I don't know of any 496's that have failed in the bottom end and we have been thrashing them for about two years.
Thanks,
Raylar

The 496 Mag HO delivers considerable midrange horsepower and torque. I like the easy way you can empty the water jackets with that "pump" device Merc supplies. It would be nice if the engine had more of a "performance look" to it. I don't care for the thing being wrapped in black plastic. Anyone feel that way or is it just me?

I agree