Pat McPherson

I know that this subject has been discussed before.
Can someone give me a link to the thread or tell me again.
What are the differences?
Is one stronger than the other?
Can they both handle 600+HP?
I have a friend with a 29' Fountain that is planning to Supercharge his 502.
Quite sure that he will blow the stock Bravo.
Can he up grade to either?
Thanks for the help!

Dock Holiday

They are 100 % the same except for the following.

XZ = Spiral Cut Gears
XR = Straight Cut Gears

The XZ has been discontinued.

Merc only sold the XZ for 500 EFI motors. The XR for 525 and 575's.

The XR takes just a little more horsepower to operate.

Hope this helps, I have the XZ's with 500 EFI.

Escape Velocity

My 2002 Bravo drive (w/496 Mag HO) is identified only as an "X". Is this the same as the XZ?

chromecat

the new X is the same as XZ ... i called merc tech support last week to ask that very question.

Don

Mr Gadgets

The drives with the X gears have thicker floors than the old standard and HP Bravos. I believe the difference between an X and XZ was input ujoints were bigger on the XZ. And maybe the larger prop shaft. There was an article a few years back on the differences. But as of late you cant get the old style gears and end up with X gears for replacement on the standard Bravos, so I have been told. They discontinued the XZ, but like Chromecat said, I think it is the X now.
The XR's handle more power, but the gears seem to wear a bit faster than the X's.. from what I have seen. My experience is limited with X's, but have ruined and setup a few XR's. I ruined my own, or should I say wore it out quickly, due to improper setup of gears. I now am very anal about measuring everything to make it right. So far so good.
I hope this helps.. there are more experieced people out there that can add to this. Did you try doing a search on the board for "Bravo"??? That may turn up some threads.
Dick

Mbam

See if this helps

http://go-fast.com/mercruiser_bravo_sterndrives.htm

Ric232

Can a pre-"0M" standard Bravo be upgraded to an "X". What would be the approx. cost?