I read that STIHL Offshore Racing will be running DriveGuardian's this year. In theory it sounds like it might help a Bravo last longer (maybe not with 800s), but 500-700s maybe??? Think it's worth the money?? $2495 each. Has anybody run this setup??http://www.marinedesigncorp.com/our-products.html

Yes

I went from TRS, to Konrads, to SSM dry sump Sixes. 800 Chiefs were the constant power. I broke; TRS, Konrads, and transmissions. The failures would happen while cruising at 3500, 50 mph. The TRS were 5.5 inches below bottom, Konrads 3.75 below bottom. 6A's 1 inch above bottom. Same power, 6A was 12 mph faster. Bam 1350 transmissions now. I don't run mine fast. 62-63 mph at 3500 cruise now, up and down the coast of Florida.
Do yourself a favor and listen the guys on this forum. They know what they are speaking of. Bravos XRs are a great product up to 500 hp. Iffy at 600 hp, after that keep a spare in the bow. The Bravos on 800 plus hp are good if you idle.

I am now in the process of converting a #5 drive, staggered, 90 mph edition boat, to 6A SSM on extension boxes

Maybe we`ll see you around, you could jump on I80 and be in Portage in no time, that`s one of the launches we like.
I also have a guy in Homer Glen that does all my fabricating, (built new gas tanks, will be making my tails, Jason can do pretty much anything with metal/stainless etc.)
btw, Lake Michigan is not nice on drives, I had a 600CS in a 25' AT and in 2 years I went thru 2 drives.

Thats a good mph @ 3500 rpm, my Bravo TG was about 8 mph slower than that @ 3500

For now I have to stick with the bravos money wise. I guess the best way to go would be to put surface drives on . The motors have 70 hours on them since rebuilt and never broke a drive. I guess is it how you drive it the main question is will 2" shorty help with more top speed. The drive now are 5 1/2 deep

From my experience, I wouldnt worry about going 2 in higher. If your not going to do a drive upgrade then I would leave it alone. You might gain some speed but you might not. What are the possible losses if you go higher?

am in hammond marina

I plan on going with some gear mods I can get a pair of sportmasters at a good price. Just need to work something with the top gears.

17 3/4" x 32 x 15 rake merc 5 blades,

Just my opinion, but you should not buy a Cig to try and go fast. Just enjoy the ride, they are great quality boats, that run rough water when needed. The styling is timeless. The history wonderful. But it takes a lot of $$$$ and personal time to make one go fast. My Skater is faster than my Cig, but I love both. Different animals, for different days.