blownincome

Has anyone converted a 2000+ B1 non sweptback drive to a Xr and used the lower from the b1 on the new XR upper?
If so whats involved going from a OL To a OW type upper
thanks
Bob

t500hps

there are a number of threads related to this........putting the regular lower on an XR is no problem. Converting a regular bravo is a waste of money IMO. The problem with the regular bravos is that typically the tower (case) fails, not the gears. By putting stronger gears in the regular bravo case your just upgrading the strongest part of the drive and ignoring the weakest link. Mr Gadgets and some others can machine a new tower into a regular bravo case but the cost is close to just buying an XR upper new.

Mr Gadgets

Actually, it is about a third of the cost of a new case (street price) to install a tower in a B1 drive. But it depends on the condition of the used case. Damaged cases dont normally quailfy. If the tower has been broken, it is almost too late.
There is also wear points to consider, they can be repaired also, but at some point the decision has to be made to go with new or repair the old...

Depending on your style of boating.. Using an XR upper on a B1 lower is mixing weak with strong, and could be a bad choice. You can upgrade the lower to XR and have a better match between upper and lower.
If you want more info on the options that I have combined, give me a call.. glad to discuss it..

D*ck
616-403-1006

blownincome

Thanks for the reply .. I spoke w/merc service and got a bunch of gereral answers like should work? and dont see any reason why there would be a issue think you should be ok?? .... Not Yes! looked at a bullitin 2005-11 for updateing that was to cover this (Doesnt)
No part # in the bullitin covers my drive .. It is a 2k plus type non swept back
so I pushed ahead got 2 XR uppers complete and rebuilding my starboard lower with new bearings and seals to finish out the season.. I had a cap tower fail and wiped out my starboard upper and dont want to do this again in a year..
Plus the boat is perfect and dont want to cut corners..
Thaks for the Nod ! XRS are a Go!
Bob

Mr Gadgets

Did you get the new style XR that comes with the Ribbed cap? They have a steel tower in that cap and is a must. If you did, you will be all set. Either upper, old or new style XR will fit on your lowers. The next weak point will be your vertical shafts in the lower, IMO. But driven with respect, you wont have a problem..

Hope this helps..

D*ck