bravo 1 upgrades
 

I just recently rebuilt my 525sc in my hallett 270 to about 600 hp and now I am worried about my bravo 1 drive. I have never had problems with my drive in the past but with the extra hp im starting to get a little worried. I have always been very easy on it because of this and now im even more worried. The drive is a 1998 bravo 1 and id like to get some input on what I should worry about failing in my drive and what would be the first thing to upgrade now that I am upping the hp and going to be going more aggressive on the prop as well.
Is a complete XR drive replacement necessary? or could I replace maybe just the upper? any input is appreciated.

anyone have any input?

There are alot of upgrades that I'm sure will be posted and you probably should consider them. You are about the max in reallity for a Bravo at 600 depending on your driving.

ssliver,
You can put XR gears in your case, and a steel tower and good cap. But the cost is close to building an XR upper. Or you can get a stock xr upper and see how it holds up.
The weak point is the thin floored gears, at this point. If you do a gear upgrade kit, then the tower is next weak link. After you get the upper beefed up, the lower shafts are next.
The SC motor makes torque in the middle and that is where the boat sees the most load.. so be very gentle on the sticks and keep your eye out for an XR.
PM and I get give u pricing on beefing up your B1..
Hope this helps
Dick

thanks for the info dick, do you have an email i can contact you at?
Also if I replaced the lower unit, they have a bigger shaft and require different a different prop correct?
Also if you build my B1 would that be stronger than a stock XR unit?
thanks again

I had an Imco upper mated to a stock bravo lower on my hopped up 525SC on my 28 Pantera. It had about 300hrs on it and was still fine. New owner was putting in bigger power(800hp) and had it gone through by Imco. Nothing was broke, but everything was below their spec tolerances.

ssilverado.. my email is [email protected].. shoot me an email.. I can expain.. or give me a call. that is quicker.. 616-403-1006.. around 4pm est.. on my way home.. long drive..

Dick

I have a 98 Bravo 1 in my 27 Formula. I built the old HP 500 into a 540 with 675 HP. We put an XZ gear set in the drive and a billit top cap. I take it easy coming on plane and don't slam the throttles. 3 years later and no problems. I change the drive fluid about every 10 hours.