Anyone add an exhaust deverter?

[CAGE RATTLER]

Im purchasing a new 496 MAG and was thinking about adding a deverter. Just wondering if anyone has done that here and how difficult was the install.

Im also wondering if having a deverter would reduce or eliminate any chances of water intrusion. That alone would be worth it.

Also ......... Does having a fresh water cooling system eliminate chances of water intrusion?

Thanks

 

[keokie]

I assume you are talking about switcheable exhaust. I have done this a couple times on 454's and 502's. This will not reduce water intrusion, but will slightly improve WOT performance. The catch is it will always be louder than factory through hub due to leakage.

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

Thanks.......... After reading some other forum posts, alot of people complained that it was either loud or real loud. I figured that was due to the leakage around the butterfly that closes off the thru transom pipe.

Would just having a thru transom exhaust (above water line) eliminate water intrusion on a FWC engine?

I just ordered a new merc 496 MAG and wondering what all i can do to reduce any risk of water intrusion. I dont want to have to deal with that again if i can help it.

 

[keokie]

The motor will sit a bit higher than the small block. That might be enough. If not, and you have room, the 496's were available with 2 different riser lengths when mine were new. See if you can fit the larger ones.

Thru-transom could greatly reduce water intrusion risks depending on geometry and flappers.

Clarification.... The leaking valves on switcheable exhausts creates a noticeable increase in sound at idle (still much quieter than open), but at cruise there is no difference between switcheable in the closed position, and thru-hub.