Classic 22...454 vs 496 mag.....Help!

[hottub]

Have been in the market for a late model 22 Classic.....Unfortunately, funds are limited, but I want the "right" boat. I am finding some good slightly used boats with the 454 (385 hp) and am then looking at an increase in price that may be doable (is that a word!?) for a newer model with the 496 mag (375 hp). Looking for input regarding performance, maintenance, recommendations and whatever else I need to know from you guys that know....

Would love the 496 mag HO or HP 500 but not sure I can afford it.....

[Woodsy]

Hottub...

If the funds are limited, go 454MAG (385hp)... There are plenty of hop up parts available, and just about anything that is engine related is easy to get. That being said, if the $$ are doable, go with the 496HO... there are a couple of those on Winni, CrazyHorse has one, and so does Tom Davis, and they are pretty darn fast boats. I wouls stay away from the lower hp 496... Just my .02

Woodsy Von Donzi

PS: I own a '97 454 MAG and she can run pretty darn good. With the Bravo setup I was only 2-3mph slower than than the 496HO....

[hottub]

Thanks for the response.

Just curious, why stay away from the lower hp 496?

All info helps....

[Barry Phillips]

Almost ordered a 2002 22 with a 496 HO last winter but job insecurity put the deal on hold. The HO motor is the only way to go, it has a stronger crank, rods and valve train. I drove a 496 mag and felt it needed more power. The HO would be a better way to go for future mods like a superchager. I also looked at a left over 2001 454mag with no though hole exhaust, what are these dealers thinking? He was willing to install Quick & Quite Plus to sell the boat. He offered it me with a custom Eagle trailer for $38.500.00, a nice deal. If you go used look for a 502.

SO-SLO

[Dvo]

Hottub,

Can't comment on the 496's, no direct experience. I can tell you that I have the 454 MPI Magnum (385HP)in a '97 22 Classic, and it is the finest big block Chevy I have ever encountered. The fuel injection and Corsa Captian's Choice are ideal for
great power, economy and sound. This motor will lope around all day long without fouling, and hit mid 70's when you push it. The fuel economy is almost unbelievable, I thought my boat had a bad gas guage when I first ran it a few times - it never seemed to go down.

[BigGrizzly]

After seeing both the 496 and the 454 apart and seeing what is in side both. This I can tell you the ports, rods, crank and head components are smaller than the 454 mag and weaker. I f you supercharge both a 496HO and a 454 mag(stock condition), the 454 will have more HP. The 496 is a good motor and in stock condition it will last a long time. If future hopup is inevitable do the 454 mag.

[Darrell]

Hottub:

Check out the Donzi's for sale section of the Registry, there is a nice 99 22ZX w/502. I had this same set-up in 23ft Scarab and it should be a honest 75+ boat. Check the boat out, it has awesome paint scheme (Or maybe because it's the same one that my 26ZX has.) Anyway good luck with your boat buying, Just my $.02, but the 502 is a proven engine and you will love the power.

Darrell A.

[Lil Grizz]

From mercury spec sheets that I have read over it appears that the current 496 and 496HO share the same rotating assembly. That means that the HO is no more durable that the base model, the only advantage I can see is HP. They both use the same crank, rods, and pistons. I am pretty sure someone on OSO posted the same info a few months back, do a search and see if its still there.

[fasttrucker]

the 496ho has a fresh water/enclosed cooling system.but is new and really unproven,go 502 thats what i got. wink