New Merc 525, good -bad?
 

Does anyone have information on their performance and reliability? How does the 525EFI compare to the 500EFI?
Thanks for any information. JB

Re: New Merc 525, good -bad?
 

Its 25 more HP:D :eek: :D

Actually though, I haven't heard of anyone on OSO who has them yet and I'm not sure they are even available yet.

Troutly, I have a copy of the 382, 525EFI test sheet. At 12400 lbs it ran about 76 mph. This was the Dealer demo with ITS. So far the ITS has not gotten great reviews, this may by due to a lower drive height than the stellings box installation. Thanks JB

Tres Martin dialed in a 38 Top Gun weighing in at 11,475 lbs and got 86.4 mph. It had a flat screen tv/stero with all kind of extra batteries, etc.
I think that pretty respectful.
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PQ is currently building a 380 Avenger with ITS and the 525's. I am told that it will be featured in an up coming PB mag test. I woundn't doubt that you will see close to 85 with that combo. :)

I spoke to Rick Mackie at Merc Racing recently about the 525 and he told me the best thing to do is come on up and take a look :). I am only about 45 minutes from the factory :D If I do, I will bring the camera ;)

Thanks for the replies, I agree with Troutly on Formula's pricing, it leads you away from the ITS package for the reasons you mentioned. How much do you gain with the Stellings boxes on the Formulas? Iam looking at a 382 with 525's and Stellings. What is the story on the mufflers, like power loss?

I can tell you that at a 33ZX Donzi gained about 7mph from 500's to the new 525's. The motor has a incredible amount of torque. I was told by the guys at lake x that they dyno around 540hp.

38ZR
 

Was 7 mph the only difference? or was there also a load difference? Sounds too good to be true..

One of my friends just bought a new 25' Daytona with one of the first 525 efi's produced and the boat runs!! Mid to high 80's on warrantied Mercruiser power.

ITS is pricey but will help you on resale value. ITS with a set of Herring Props w/ the Sportmaster Drives is some high tech stuff - warrantied too. Just my .02 worth.......BH