Bravo 1 to XR or better conversion
 

Ok still learning the boat stuff, so be gentle.

I will be (in the future) changing my drives. I have regular Bravos, but will definitely need something that can hold more power and I assume an XR will hold what I need, but I am open to suggestions. Motors make a little over 700hp each.

So here's my question: What all will I need to change?

Drives.... yes.
Gimbles..?
Steering..?
bellhousings...?
couplers....?

I have dual steering to the helm. But will it work with the other drives? It's these type questions I have. I want to start buying stuff slowly, so maybe by the beginning of next year I can change it all out.

RE:Bravo 1 to XR or better conversion
 

:cool:I will also be upgrading, but I don't know everything. What I do know is that if you have the 'non-current' bravo I and are going for the 'new' XR the u-joints are not the same size. You will need a red dot gimbal conversion kit - $80. I do not know if the trim and power steering are going to match up?

So no one else has done this??

If you have std Bravos now, XR's will bolt up to the Bravo gimbles, however there are 2 style Bravo 1 gimbles, std. and HP gimbles used on the XR's from Mercruiser. Heavier units. Aftermarket drives are available for Bravo replacements but are pricy. 10-20K for a used pair that will bolt to the Bravo gimbles. These are also available with matching gimbles for more big bucks. What do you mean dual steering to the helm? I assume you mean external dual cylnder steering to the helm, full hyd system is what you mean. This will work with the XR's with no additional parts but if you go with aftermarket the cylnders might not match up with the new drive plates. All your other parts, bell housings, couplers, ect will work however you should replace the couplers with the high performance units. The XR's are your cheapest way to go for sure but with twin 700 hp engines your pushing it. Since you didn't say what boat this is in, no matter what yoou'll need to take it easy on the hole shots and acceleration, or you'll be needing sea tow real soon. High hp reaks havoc on drives and parts in general.

I would not waste the money on xr's . Have somebody that knows what they are doing go through the bravo's for you. My boat went over 200 hours with bravo's at 750 dynoed hp with no trouble until the xr's were put on and broke one of them in less than 50 hours. Also have a friend that put over 500 hours on a 31 Sonic with blower motors and has yet to touch the drives other than to change the oil. But if you feel the need to spend the xr's will bolt right on . All you will need is different hub's for your props. Been there done that!!!!!!! Just my .02 Jeff

I'm with Jeff on this.

I have a collection of junk XR parts.


I never had a drive problem til I got a boat with
XR's.

REALLY? So it would be better to just do some aftermarket gears, etc in the bravos? I like the sound of this. So who does the best beefing of these things? And what is the approximate cost?

U defenatley want a HD coupler,,,HP gimbal and yes on the hydraulic steering .
On the drives have IMCO convert them or somebody else that knows what there doing.
Easy on the throttles and u be fine !!!!!

From everything I have read on OSO Mr Gadgets is the guy that you want to do your drives. :drink:

I do an upgrade conversion using the X gears and install a steel tower in the case and use the XR ribbed top cap, that is a very good drive when it is done. The lower is still the small shaft B1, but that can be upgraded also. If the lower gears are worn that is a good time to go to the XR propshaft kit..

Hope this helps..

Pm me if you have any ??

Dick