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-3 Imco shorty: who's running one?

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Old 12-15-2009 | 01:12 PM
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Default -3 Imco shorty: who's running one?

I see Imco has a -3" shorty lower out. I called Imco and found out it'll work on the merc upper, but prop size is limited to 14-14.5". I was also told that a couple of guys had modified the mercuy upper a little to make room for larger wheels.


I know I could buy the SC upper for the -3" lower and not have any clearance issues with props- it has a step built into the upper on that model. Just wondering if anyone running one with the merc upper?
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Old 12-15-2009 | 01:27 PM
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Not running a -3 on a merc upper but I'd think limiting yourself to a 14" diam. prop would not be too good of an idea on a raised prop shaft height, that doesn't give you many choices IMO. I'm running a -2 and with my set up larger diam. props seem to work best with the higher shaft height.
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Old 12-15-2009 | 01:30 PM
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I have the -3 upper and lower. Love it. I may be selling the set up as it will not hold up to the new motor.
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Old 12-16-2009 | 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by osur866
Not running a -3 on a merc upper but I'd think limiting yourself to a 14" diam. prop would not be too good of an idea on a raised prop shaft height, that doesn't give you many choices IMO. I'm running a -2 and with my set up larger diam. props seem to work best with the higher shaft height.
I was figuring that up to 14.5" prop would be ok. I'd think a mirage plus 27p or29p would work fine at 2" below the pad on my 21sb. Dunno, maybe I'm thinking too much like an outboard owner

I was hoping to see, or hear about what mods have been done to the merc upper for larger prop clearance with the -3 lower, in case I had to go that route.
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Old 12-16-2009 | 04:57 PM
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I was told that the Merc upper needs to be modified to accept a -3 Imco Lower. Ya might want to double check just to be sure.


Darrell.
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Old 12-16-2009 | 05:25 PM
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The bravo upper needs to be machined out to have some clearance for prop,can only run about 14 diameter prop if not machined,did one for a 25 checkmate works great,any machine shop can handle the machining,or you could cut it out with saw and sand flat by hand
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Old 12-16-2009 | 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by MDGperformance
The bravo upper needs to be machined out to have some clearance for prop,can only run about 14 diameter prop if not machined,did one for a 25 checkmate works great,any machine shop can handle the machining,or you could cut it out with saw and sand flat by hand
Thanks, MGD!

You got any pics? I assume that the stock merc lower can still be used, and it leaves a notch on the upper by the rear?

Do the -3 lowers come with any kind of cav plate?

Sorry for the ?s, but inquiring minds want to know!

Last edited by ndaniels; 12-16-2009 at 08:25 PM.
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Old 12-16-2009 | 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by ndaniels
Thanks, MGD!

You got any pics? I assume that the stock merc lower can still be used, and it leaves a notch on the upper by the rear?

Do the -3 lowers come with any kind of cav plate?

Sorry for the ?s, but inquiring minds want to know!
No, the cav plate is on the upper. The -3 uppers do come with a cav plate it turns up to clear the prop. I may have a picture
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Old 12-16-2009 | 09:07 PM
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Default IMCO -3 Picture

This is the best I had.
Attached Thumbnails -3 Imco shorty: who's running one?-kryptonite046.jpg  
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Old 12-17-2009 | 02:06 AM
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Originally Posted by ndaniels
I was figuring that up to 14.5" prop would be ok. I'd think a mirage plus 27p or29p would work fine at 2" below the pad on my 21sb. Dunno, maybe I'm thinking too much like an outboard owner

I was hoping to see, or hear about what mods have been done to the merc upper for larger prop clearance with the -3 lower, in case I had to go that route.
Well you might get away with a 27p m+ at a diam of 14 3/8 but the 29p m+ has a 15" diam. I tired a 27 p m+ and it was a foul handeling SOB. I'm running a labbed 29p m+ but the diam. is 15" don't think that's gonna work for ya without some mods goodluck
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