Mercury Marine 496 Mag Base/HO Whipple Stage 1/2 PCM Calibration Upgrade

MERCURY MARINE 496 MAG BASE/HO
WHIPPLE STAGE 1/2 PCM CALIBRATION UPGRADE

The Whipple Stage 1/2 PCM Calibration Upgrade is designed for compatible Mercury Marine 496 Mag Base and 496 Mag HO applications using PCM555 engine control. This calibration service gives customers a choice between a conservative Stage 1 calibration or a higher-performance Stage 2 calibration, depending on the engine package, fuel, and intended setup.

Whipple has extensive experience with PCM555 calibration development and Mercury Marine performance applications. With full PCM control, Whipple can support many stock and modified engine combinations, including 496 Mag Base and 496 Mag HO applications, when the complete setup details are confirmed before calibration.

Stage 1 Calibration

The Whipple Stage 1 calibration is designed as a conservative and reliable upgrade for stock engine combinations. It increases the maximum RPM limit while maintaining a conservative timing curve for 89 octane fuel. Stage 1 is intended for customers who want more prop selection flexibility and modest power improvement while keeping a stock-like reliability approach.

• PCM555 calibration for compatible 496 Mag Base and 496 Mag HO applications
• Designed for 89 octane fuel
• 5450 RPM limit on HO models
• 5250 RPM limit on Base models
• Listed increase of 8-10 lb-ft of torque and 8-10 HP
• Conservative calibration strategy for stock engine combinations

Stage 2 Calibration

The Whipple Stage 2 calibration is designed to maximize the output of the stock engine package by using 91 octane or better fuel, increased maximum spark advance, increased ignition power from the individual coils, improved air-charge control with a low-temp thermostat, and optimized air-fuel ratio in each individual cylinder.

Stage 2 is listed to increase torque throughout the RPM curve while improving peak horsepower, acceleration, and throttle response. Customers have also reported cleaner transoms with reduced soot when the engine and fuel system are operating properly.

• High-performance PCM555 calibration for compatible 496 Mag Base and 496 Mag HO applications
• Designed for 91 octane or better fuel
• Low-temp thermostat support
• 5450 RPM limit
• Listed 5-8% power increase over stock
• Increased acceleration with improved torque output
• May help reduce transom soot when the engine and fuel system are operating properly

Calibration Service Process

The PCM must be removed and sent to Whipple Superchargers for calibration service. Include a copy of the receipt and all relevant engine, boat, fuel, PCM, stage selection, 496 application type, and setup details with the PCM. Typical turnaround time is 7-10 days.

New PCM units may be available upon request. Custom calibrations may also be available for certain modified engine combinations, earlier calibration updates, custom camshaft or engine packages, and other supported Mercury Marine PCM555 applications. Use the custom calibration worksheet to list any changes from stock.

Application note: Verify engine model, 496 application type, PCM type, fuel octane, stage selection, current calibration, engine modifications, thermostat requirements, and complete setup details before ordering. This is a calibration service and does not diagnose or repair mechanical, fuel system, ignition, sensor, or general running issues.