[F500] All this engine stuff

[Darrel_Greening at mercmarine.com]

I don't know what would be so difficult about specifying cylinder and head
part numbers for a 494 RAVE motor (or the 494 non-RAVE or 493 for that
matter).  The part numbers for the cylinders (494 RAVE and non-RAVE)are
cast into the outside.  The left one can be easily seen without taking
anything apart..  The part number for the cylinder head is easy to see if
the cover is removed (12 or 13 allen bolts).   You don't even have to
remove the spark plugs, just have something to soak up a little
coolant/water.  Nothing critical needs to be disassembled.  I would expect
that the 493 is the same way.  Publish the valid part numbers and let's go.
The GCR lists part numbers for the Kawasaki heads, so this isn't anything
new.

If worried about the HP differences, make the 494 RAVE and the 493 legal
for national competition with either a 36mm carb or acceptable restrictor.
This isn't new either.  When the Kawasaki came in it had to run either 34mm
carbs or the restrictor.  If these engines prove to be slightly
underpowered in competition then make and adjustment, just like the
Kawasaki's no longer need the 34mm restriction in club racing.  Heck, let
the AMW have the same carbs as the 494 RAVE and the 493.  I would rather
see these motors come in a little under powered, because as these motors
get figured out, they will get stronger.  At least this way, all the
current 494 motors aren't immediately obsolete.

If I can come up with a reasonably priced 493, I'd like to run a regional
race at a track where I've run a national race just to see if there is a
difference on the track.

Darrel Greening
#03