damdonzi

Replacing an HP500 carb, and am looking for some advice on which to choose. Have heard many different schools of thought recently, so I'm putting it out to the masses on OSO.

Going into a 28 Cigarette and we are not out to set any speed records. Saw 63 on a regular basis with the old power, and like anyone, I don't want to go slower with the repower. Just a reliable powerplant that shows decent performance. (Faster is always better though. 70MPH would be nice.)

The old engine had some hours on it and was a little tired (spent its previous life in a 36 Apache that was driven hard I am told), and some people are saying that a new 496HO is equivalent to -or will be more powerful than- the HP 500 which it is replacing. Reasons stated are newer technolgy, power, torque, just a strong engine. Also am hearing that reprogramming the ECU will yield almost 500HP in some cases and not void the warranty. Does this sound too good to be true?

The HP500EFI is not that much more of a stretch from the 496HO when all is said and done in terms of $$$, but I still am leaning toward this because of the replacing like-with-like philiosophy. The idea that it's going to be discontinued may effect this decision too.

Finally, should a USED 525EFI make itself shown, it this really that much more of a motor than the HP500EFI, especially given the way that we boat? We're not wide open all the time, but if we spend a day at a fun run or something, you want to be able to push it hard and not have to worry about it.

Any and all advice is appreciated.

Hessdk

damdonzi, I have a single engine 28' Apache with a 525 EFI and I am real happy with its performance. It will run 70 MPH (GPS) or better depending on conditions. The motor looks really nice and sounds awesome. It has a nice size cam and with the headers it really sounds crisp. The mid range acceleration is excellent considering the size of the 28' Apache. The closed water cooling, and aluminum heads are nice too. From what I hear the 525's are every bit of 525 HP and maybe a little more.

stevel

Why not simply rebuild the motor that you have now? It would be less expensive than any of the other options and you will see the same top speeds? Are you set on EFI?

Steve

damdonzi

Sorry. Should have put that the engine/drive was stolen.

Ric232

There is a very significant power difference between the 496HO and 500EFI; more than the advertised power ratings suggest. The 500EFI is an entirely different animal. Add 25 - 40 hp for the 525. And no, you can't get 500 hp from the 496 with ECU mods. The closest I've heard is an aftermarket intake from Arizona Speed & Marine for $3100 that SUPPOSEDLY adds 100hp. However, this has not been tested by anyone I know of other than Arizona. I am skeptical to say the least.

On the other hand, have you checked pricing? There is a substantial difference once you step to the 500 motor. Dollar for dollar, it's hard to beat the 496HO, but if you don't mind spending the extra dough, definitely go for the 525EFI (Skip the 500, the price for the 525 doesn't add that much, relatively speaking).

stevel

I would look hard at a 525. It is a really nice motor with closed cooling, the 555 PCM, smartcraft and the works. If you shop around you should be able to find a pretty good deal on a new or low hours motor.

Steve

damdonzi

I'm skeptical about the 496 modifcations as well. Thanks

Bob280Silencer

damdonzi,I.m building a 540,so I'm selling my 2001 HP500 with 280hrs on it.The HP pushed my 28 Powerquest 73.5gps.If interested 1.504.486.7070 weekdays,1.504.484.6429 nites central time BOB

Holy Smokes

How about this deal on Ebay. Looks like decent buy with only 40 hours on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEBWA%3AIT

Bob280Silencer

Well,just be careful.My valve covers are blue with APBA on 'em & my alt. is blue also.That engine has chrome valve covers & no blue alt?!BOB