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

Thanks Dick. I was going to ask how to get in touch, but I'll just send you a PM.

Dick, My Bravo Gimbal conversion is coming along quite nicely. It will house the Max Worx SS gimbal ring and the Merc HP gimbal helmet. It will have the electric trim sender unit too. I will send along pics when finished. This gimbal unit and a "Mr.Gadgets" Bravo Drive would make a solid package.

Hey Dick I know this is an old post but I have a question about a boat that I'm looking at. It's a 1996 advantage sports cat originally came with a Merc 525 blown motor with XR drive. The guy blew up the motor and the boat's been sitting for a couple years but is in really good condition. My question to you would be, is it possible to buy the components to retrofit a 454 built blown motor into it? Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Good chance your "blown 525" is a 525 SC which is a 454 with an POS Weiand 177 blower that claimed 525 HP but only made 490 HP but to answer your question, any 454 will fit. This is a general question and not a drive question.

Sir I have installed 1 1/4 prop shaft in my bravo 1 and have a problem with the pre load on carrier bearing hub. Do you know of anyone that might have done this to there lower unit that could help with my issue . the issue is the the carrier bearing hub nut is tq all the way in and still have to much play for bearing to carrier. shaft pulls out and in where as the prop shaft bearing has not made contact with the bearing race .the load ring is new and washer old .is there a shim procedure ?

Outdrive
 

I don’t think even the XR is rated for that much horsepower. I’m running 700 and blew up an XR drive. Twice. I’m running a Teague platinum which I believe is rated at 800 and I’ve had zero problems. I would call Teague performance and consider this drive and save yourself a lot of money in downtime