I know it's not the fastest outlaw

But what motor is better ?
Living in the midwest I like to extend my boating till OCT 31
So the closed cooling sounds like it's the way to go ,Better shifting etc ,Then I read
if you pick up silt you will blow the $495.00 pump Would a sea Strainer prevent this

Looking at a 454 with 200 + hours
And a 496 with 100 Hours

Thanks
Geoff

496 for the reasons you stated. Yes a sea strainer will help.

The 496 is a much more advanced motor with closed cooling, third generation computer control, distributorless igntion and dozens of other advances. IMO it is definitely worth extra money on a boat to get it over an older mag mpi

The 496 Mag is def not a better engine, Its a cheaper more cost effective replacment for the 454 and 502 Mags. The 496's are built much cheaper using all cast iron internals (weaker and def no good for super charging) the older Mag engines are built with all forged steel internals and you can supercharge them stock. I wouldnt worry about the closed loop cooling; you can buy a closed loop cooling system exactly like the one that comes on the 496 for $1000. "The older Mag engines are built like a brick **** house" (words from a certified merccruiser tech)

496 is a white elephant. Go with the 454 or better yet a 502.

I have a 99 454 mag and when I bought 4 years ago from IL.. it was all freshwater.. I boat 95% in fresh and flush throughly when i dip in gulf..

I pulled risers off last year just to see and they looked brand new!!

forged internals in the 454/502 mag, but as mentioned, the 496 has closed cooling.. but? where to you boat? fresh? imo would not matter for either engine unless heavy salt use.

2 of my buddies with the 496 mag and HO have problems yearly with replacing mulitple IACs and other sensors causing problems and down time i.e. iacs, temp exhaust sensor, kept throwing in protect mode etc.

so depending on years in salt and hours... 454 or 502 mag would also be a good choice...

I am trying to sell my 25 ol with 454 mag and getting another 454 or 502 mag vs 496's will not be a factor..

Dont think you can go wrong with either!!

My old 29Outlaw has Over 1000 hrs on 454 Mags still purring. Great motors

No steel crank on 496 go with 454 mag!

I can put you in touch with someone who has a complete MPI 502 for sale if you or anyone else is interested. I do not know anything about the motor other than it being a 502 and he wants to go bigger.

Any other input on this?

Looking at 2 separate 2001 25' Outlaws...

1 has a 496 HO with 250hrs

1 has a 502 with 330hrs...

Price is about equivalent. Any input?