I have a 1988 top gun that had 502's with TRS drives, the guy before me replaced them with some 540's with #5 drives (did not cut the transom). I have found a 2001 top gun with EFI 500's and bravo 1 drives... What im wanting to do is take the 540's and #5's and put them in the 2001 boat. Then put the EFI 500's and bravo drives in the 1988 boat. Guess the first question I have is am I crazy for wanting to do that? I havent bought the 2001 but really want to, if it will all work out. Next, if it will work ware do I need to set everything up at? Sorry if i didnt leave enough info, Still learning! Can anyone help me/educate me??!!

Seems like a lot of work and $$$. What are the 540s making power-wise above the 500 efis?

Yes you are crazy. You would have to recut the transoms on both boats.
The SSM 5's will add a lot of weight with the transmissions, you will have to move the engines forward to accomodate the trans and then the balance of the TS Gun will be all screwed up. If the 540's are under about 700hp, then you should be able to keep the Bravo's alive.

Personally, I would just bump the HP up on the 500EFI's with the Ateco kit or similar and call it a day.

And where will you get parts if you need to service them.
Parts are no longer available from Mercury. They don't
make them any longer. They are completly out of their
system. Would not consider that project at all.

I'm glad I wasn't the only one that thought it was crazy.

Really if you are looking for better speed and stronger drives for the 2001, buy some Arneson ASD6's. Leave the 88 alone.

TS Guns are set up with a specific center of gravity to make them ride so well. Thats the reason they don't have full cabins. If you start messing with teh COG, you better know what you are doing. IMO, the switch would reduce the value of the TS Gun and make it very hard to sell later.

The 540s (blown 8-70s) are making 1,068 dyno hp I have been told I would not have to cut the transoms..?? It would be alot of work, but a much cheaper way for myself to have some big HP motors and drives in an updated hull as I already have the motors and drives. As far as the drives Im not stuck on the SSM 5's... I just already have a like new set.

Also the 540's, myself and a close friend that owns a machine shop have built the motors our selfes to make a VERY reliable blown 1,000 HP motor. I know the TS Gun's have EFI motors but I have seen a few with CI blower motors. Just looking for some opinons on what to do, Would the 540's be ok in the TS Gun just with diff. drives? Thanks for the replys and help

This question is really beyond me, I have no real experience with the TS Gun. But to me, a #6 option seems like a better option. For resale of the vessel, parts availability, and reliability. Good sets of these drives, gimbals, etc are becoming pretty economical to purchase used if you shop around. I also understand the response Griff gave involving weight distribution and the effects it would have on the boats performance.

Yes. Arnesons. Engines stay in the same spot, you pick up speed, have a stronger drive, and get some awesome tail!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pVML...eature=related