I have a 99 with a -2 shorty and a full Zeiger hydraulic system, stock 454 28 Bravo.

Runs 74, no torque steer, really no bad habits.

Can run over 60 hands free in the right conditions.

Ken

Ken,
How much faster is your boat with the shorty vs standard length lower?
My boat tops out at about 73 on GPS with stock 502 and stock Bravo.
Thanks

Pat picked up about 3 MPH under ideal conditions...stock 454.

Ken

Thanks for the info Ken.
Aside from the speed gain did the handling of your boat improve with the shorty?
Did your boat have any ill handling prior to adding the shorty and full hydraulic steering?

My boat handles well as is so adding external steering would be more of a safety thing.
Changing to a shorty would be for a performance increase.
Just not sure the $$ are worth it?

No ill handling before or after..it was strictly to get more top end.

Prop did change from a Spinelli 25 pitch to a Bravo 28...slightly slower coming out of the hole.

Thanks for the input. For me a speed increase is not the primary goal.
I would like to get rid of the torque steer at higher speeds; it's a bit risky with the stock cable steering I have.
Not sure if a single ram, "add on system" will be enough but I guess it's a good first step.

I've spoken with CP Performance and Imco directly.
If I don't have an unforeseen boat expense pop up in the next month or so before putting them to bed. I'll be installing a "add on" external hydraulic ram steering system to my Donzi this off season...

I'm with you on the steering upgrade, I will be looking into it this winter also. I does look to be a little pricey but my steering torque is terrible also, if you throttle up or back fast it could throw you out of the boat if you weren't ready for it. Are you thinking single or duel ram?

Single ram "add on" Imco. It's about $1750 complete. There are systems a little less expensive and you can find used, but I have K-panes and not much room so...
As I understand the "add on" system retains the internal merc tiller and power steering. The external piston hydraulic is plumbed in series with the internal power steering servo and piston. It's all about reducing the torque steer and adding strength for safety...
The slop in the cable helm will remain, but that part doesn't bother me much and there is always the option to upgrade to a hydraulic helm down the line...

IMO, hydraulic steering on a stock 496 boat is a waste of money. You already have hydraulic steering (of sorts). Your boat has cable steering to run a hydraulic ram. I don't see how removing the inside ram and replacing it with 1 or 2 outside rams is going to significantly change anything.
With the stock steering in my 2004 it was a 1 finger operation to steer the boat. It's much harder to steer now that I have full twin-ram hydraulic. I wish I could go back. I had handling issues, but torque steer was never one of them.