I'm afraid that my original -97 model big block might be toast and I'm mapping out my options for a new engine. It's a Bravo III setup on a 23 feet Cobalt and I think that paying a shop to install all the stuff to a new long block 454 from my old engine might be almost as expensive as buying a new one. + I would still have a lot of old parts on the engine. The best price I've found for a new complete 496 is about $11K. The price difference between the Merc. 496 Magnum (375 hp) and 496 HO (425 hp) is only about a thousand bucks but I don't know if the original Bravo from the 300 hp 454 would work directly with the 496 HO engine. Would I need to change the gears and props to make it to work or do I face the same thing even with the 375 hp version?
Michigan motorz had a Marine Power 496 for about $10K but I don't have any experience on their engines. Does anyone know about these? One shop offered a good price on a 383 stroker but I don't really feel like downgrading either. All ideas and suggestions are welcome, thanks.
Michigan motorz had a Marine Power 496 for about $10K but I don't have any experience on their engines. Does anyone know about these? One shop offered a good price on a 383 stroker but I don't really feel like downgrading either. All ideas and suggestions are welcome, thanks.