496 HO vs HP500

[HavasuHome]

The 496 HO has 425 HP whereas the HP500 has 470, a difference of 45 HP. Is it worth the extra $~15k to upgrade to the HP500? Keeping in mind that the you can't buy an extended warranty on the HP500 and that the 496 HO has closed cooling whereas the HP500 does not. This would be in a ~5300 lb deep v. Thanks for your input.

[integra]

Very interesting topic!!:)
I'm in this situation of doubt as you...
500 EFI is more expensive, maybe too much, but for me it's a pleasure only to see it...
496 HO is a very good engine, with a lot of reliability I think...;)
The extra money are for the pleasure of having a racing engine, but only about performance for me it's too expensive...:)

[roln 20s]

Good question, and although I have neither, I think it depends on what you are doing.
45 HP for 15K doesn't sound like a good upgrade, however remember that the HP500 has better internal parts that allow for a pretty easy (and expensive) whipple addition. I know people are putting whipples on the 496HO, but I can't imagine that motor could be as good as the HP500 whipple. The new 525HP is going to take over for the current HP500- phase out. Both are great motors, and both will do good. If you plan on upgrading, I would go with the HP500, but if you don't, the 496HO seems to be a great motor.
I've always asked myself that question also, and still not really sure what is the best option.
Roln 20s

[mbrown2]

15K for 45HP is not a good upgrade...particularly if you are spending on the HP500 to Whipple it later....
15K HP500 Upgrade
8K Whipple later on
= 23K in upgrades for a 700+ HP motor
Spend the 23K up front and upgrade to the 800HP Whippled 540 from GT, Teague, or Pfaff and do it right.:) ....It will be much better than the HP500 Whippled since it was built and blueprinted from the ground up to make that sort of horsepower....
Or give Informaniac and get a deal on a brute horsepower non-pixie dust engine...:)

[TPI]

Interesting topic:confused: Dont forget that a portion of that upgrade $$ is for an HP Gimbal. which the 496 does not come with(about $1K more) In my experience, More people will under power there boat due to the motor package price, and spend 2-3 times more over the next few years trying to make more power out of the low buck motor, with tons of regrets, rather than biting the bullet for a nice 600-800 HP EFI up front. It's a tough nut to crunch, but its worth it if you pick the right power package. The Gen Vl 502 is a great motor to work with.:D Maybe the way to do it is to go with the 496, save money, sell the 496 when your tired of it and use the proceeds for a new more powerful efi a couple years from now, just a thought? So many choices when building boats. Good luck.

[Just Tool'n]

Do get a hold of Infomanic, he builds a bitchen motor!
If I were closer to closer to Ok I would use him!

[Kilrtoy]

yeah what MBROWN 2 said,
Damn i hate when Im beaten to the punch....
but yes it is worth the upgraded price
Simply way to explain
drive a new 6 banger camero
then drive the SS,
i hope that clarifies it for you

[Dr. Eagle]

Originally posted by integra
Very interesting topic!!:)
I'm in this situation of doubt as you...
500 EFI is more expensive, maybe too much, but for me it's a pleasure only to see it...
496 HO is a very good engine, with a lot of reliability I think...;)
The extra money are for the pleasure of having a racing engine, but only about performance for me it's too expensive...:)
I have a friend that took his 502 Mag MPI and pulled it to put on a procharger system. While out he had the engine painted the Merc performance blue and got some billet pullies and a Hardin K&N falme arrestor. Damn engine looked as nice as any merc racing motor. And had well over 550 HP to boot for about half what the 500 HP upgrade cost.

[TPI]

Originally posted by Dr. Eagle
I have a friend that took his 502 Mag MPI and pulled it to put on a procharger system. While out he had the engine painted the Merc performance blue and got some billet pullies and a Hardin K&N falme arrestor. Damn engine looked as nice as any merc racing motor. And had well over 550 HP to boot for about half what the 500 HP upgrade cost.
Thats the great thing about the 502 mag. If you change the cam, valve springs and rocker arms, It is mechanically the same motor as an HP500. Obviously the intake plemum, cmi exhaust, and other little "cosmetic features" make it different and more pricey. The 502 is very solid up to 800 HP with the right head gaskets. Compression is 8.75:1 which is pretty close to where you would like it to be on a pump gas, supercharged engine. If you service your 800HP whipple efi regularly, it will last a long time.
Remember though, "with bigger power comes more options": External steering, drive upgrades, lab prop, ect................ You have got to factor these items into your upgrade, or you will be devistated when you see the total bill.

[integra]

The problem is right this!
I heard one guy who overcharged a 496 HO and obtained about 700 hp, but I think Bravo One X cannot bring this kind of power..
what is "lab prop"???:confused:

[Lakeshow]

Great topic - I have, or should I say had, the HP500 in my boat and in so far as straight horsepower is concerned not worth the 15k. However, as mentioned previously, the components of the engine and the way the engine is built to exacting race specifications makes it a virtually bullet proof marine engine.
The 496H.O. on the other hand is old technology pasted into a marine environment. The engine tends to run hot and overheat. Any sort of HP upgrades to the engine also tend to create alot of other problems.
Bottom line is that I would and did pay the extra $$ for the HP500.
As far as my HP500 is concerned it is being reborn as a Pfaff 565 cid 700HP EFI:D .

[beer hunter]

The 496H.O. on the other hand is old technology pasted into a marine environment.
Are you sure you don't have that backwards? The 496HO replaced the 502mag which is essentially the production version of the HP500:) The HP500 is a far better motor than the 496HO but is technically inferior to both the HP525 and 496HO....IMHO:)

[OutCole'd]

Originally posted by beer hunter
Are you sure you don't have that backwards? The 496HO replaced the 502mag which is essentially the production version of the HP500:) The HP500 is a far better motor than the 496HO but is technically inferior to both the HP525 and 496HO....IMHO:)
Just curious, what makes the HP500 technically inferior to the 496HO?

[Dr. Eagle]

Originally posted by GT
[BRemember though, "with bigger power comes more options": External steering, drive upgrades, lab prop, ect................ You have got to factor these items into your upgrade, or you will be devistated when you see the total bill. [/B]
Good point, he had the steering, but with 550 hp his drive has held up pretty well for the last 3 years no problems. He always ran a labbed prop even before motor upgrades... on a 21' eliminator eagle too..

[bordsmnj]

interesting thread but i'm surprised noones tlking 'bout torque here. i wish merc didn't guard thier torque curves like they do.anyone have the dirt on exactly how much torque these motors put out?

[beer hunter]

Mercury Marine (www.mercurymarine.com)
Here you go T&B:D

[dr. margarita]

The HP 500 does not have Smartcraft Technology and is somewhat outdated. It also builds maximum torque at higher RPM's. Good for top end performance but not as good when you're pulling a 300lb horse (which rarely happens). I don't think its worth the 15k upgrade. However for an additional $2500 over and above the 15K upgrade cost for the HP500 you get the HP525. 500 horses with Smartcraft Technology and internally cooled. This is motor is worth it if you're interested in the Mercury line! I'm go'in with Taylor Performance TP600!:D

[TPI]

DM, I will post some Dyno stats and a nice pic for you soon. Just in time for Christmas:D Its a beautiful engine. You will be impressed by the looks and of course, the Performance.

[OutCole'd]

What is a Taylor Performance? Don't tell me, it has something to do with GT????

[TPI]

Originally posted by OutCole'd
What is a Taylor Performance? Don't tell me, it has something to do with GT????
You guessed it. I have been doing the R & D on 3 different EFI motors that I am custom building through my business, " Taylor Performance Boat Center", to be open in spring 04. My biggest hurdle currently is the location. You guys all know how property is right now. I am finishing up the TP600+ now. The TP800 and TP1000 are ready. My production will be limited, and controlled. I do NOT want any Quality Control issues! Customer service will be a HUGE part of my new business. We will NOT have the cheapest engines available, but they will be made of all american parts, reliable, fast, and beautiful to look at. Performance parts are also available. I will keep you all updated.

[dr. margarita]

Originally posted by OutCole'd
What is a Taylor Performance? Don't tell me, it has something to do with GT????
You got it! Gary Taylor...GT...Taylor Performance
GT, Can't wait to see the pics!! I wanna be there for the christening. Castaic??

[OutCole'd]

I must be some kinda genious..
Best of luck in the new venture. And keep me updated. I am looking at either the HP500 or the HP525. Not sure yet. Still doing the math.

[TPI]

Originally posted by dr. margarita
You got it! Gary Taylor...GT...Taylor Performance
GT, Can't wait to see the pics!! I wanna be there for the christening. Castaic??
Probably wont be Castaic(35 max speed). But I will keep you informed.

[HavasuHome]

Thanks for the replies. So, the consensus appears to be the HP500 definitely with some saying to go to the 525. DAMN! Another thing to consider. Keep in mind the boat will be used predominantly at Havasu, with the occassional trip to Mohave, Mead and hopefully Powell. Also, I want to use it for wakeboarding and skiing as well.
I do like having the closed-cooling on the 525 vs. the 500.

[OutCole'd]

Originally posted by HavasuHome
Thanks for the replies. So, the consensus appears to be the HP500 definitely with some saying to go to the 525. DAMN! Another thing to consider. Keep in mind the boat will be used predominantly at Havasu, with the occassional trip to Mohave, Mead and hopefully Powell. Also, I want to use it for wakeboarding and skiing as well.
I do like having the closed-cooling on the 525 vs. the 500.
I am with you. Great thread. I was not really considering the 525 until I started reading this thread and reading up on both engines on Mercruiser's web site. Sounds like the 525 may be the way to go.
Oh well, there goes a few more 7-11's.:D :D

[nitro/max]

I read this on another forum that the HP for the 500EFI is 500-505, the 525EFI is 535-545,the 575SC is 595-600 the 496 is 420-425. All of theys are crank shaft HP. The price for the 525EFI over the 500EFI is close to the 5K range. This is what I have seen in price. Any one else price the two engine packeages out?

[Kilrtoy]

After thumbing thru HB, that is about right 5k give or take

[Essex502]

Originally posted by OutCole'd
I must be some kinda genious..
Best of luck in the new venture. And keep me updated. I am looking at either the HP500 or the HP525. Not sure yet. Still doing the math.
Not in that Cole I hope! :D

[OutCole'd]

Originally posted by Essex502
Not in that Cole I hope! :D
Not a chance.:D

[eliminatedsprinter]

Originally posted by OutCole'd
Not a chance.:D
I know you arn't keeping it. But is there any reason you wouldn't put that kind of power in that Cole. Sounds to me like that would make an awsome ride.:cool:

[OutCole'd]

Originally posted by eliminatedsprinter
I know you arn't keeping it. But is there any reason you wouldn't put that kind of power in that Cole. Sounds to me like that would make an awsome ride.:cool:
No reason at all except that I would not invest that kind of cash in something I plan on selling.
As far as this boat handling more power, I think it would do just fine. It runs great now, but you can never have too much power, right???

[eliminatedsprinter]

Are you sure you can't shrink wrap that boat until I'm ready to buy another boat??:wink: :cool:

[OutCole'd]

Originally posted by eliminatedsprinter
Are you sure you can't shrink wrap that boat until I'm ready to buy another boat??:wink: :cool:
Sure, just give me a 25K deposit, and I will hold it for you for as long as you like.:D :D

[LHC30Victory]

Hey HavasuHome: If you can afford it go with the 525's. Abosoultely no question! I wanted to go with twin 525's in our 30 but couldn't afford the jump. So we went with 496 HO's and LOVE them. I can only imagine what the 525's would have been!