Im saying so long to the 496HO. The motor has given me 140trouble free hours. I want to go faster then 65-67. Im going with a 650 to 700 N/A motor. Im waiting on estimates from various builders. I have a Bravo X drive. I realize I need to upgrade. Im asking advice on what would be the most economical way to upgrade my drive. Im running a 2004 Checkmate 270 O/B. Thanks, Darrick

imco

imco SCX

Your best option is a Bmax By a Mile!

Prob dont need an SCX with only 650HP...but it wouldn't hurt. You could go with an SCX upper and SC lower. Given the fact that your boat is only a 27..that helps things quite a bit.

Good luck!

Who are you getting quotes from on the engine??

I would go with the SCX or scx upper sc lower. I would also go with 700-750 hp N/A just cause!
You should talk to Dick aka Mr. Gadgets. He knows alot about drives and checkmates. I hear he is putting big power in a checkmate similar to yours with a full SCX outdrive.

we all look forward to pics!

616-403-1006

Thanks for the info guys. Im looking into Ateco, Sterling and Cobra. Trying to use a builder close by.

Nice.....

no way on the chit max I've seen more blown ones on a few boats with 700 to 750 hp. imco scx upper with sc lower shortie or konrad ace xfactor. if your easy on the the drive a b1x built by Mr Gadgets on here would be the best deal. I got years out of my b1 drive about 16years at 1st it had a 454 330hp, then a 502 390hp also a 585hp for 2yes a 595hp 2 yrs a 509 with 650hp. never had a issue plus I put a late model used b1 with a imco shortie but it was stolen. next was a b1x but I sold it and bought a konrad ace xfactor which has 1100hp in front of it. the b1x is a nice drive with a full tower inside of it like the xr.

if you want agreat motor call DEAN GELLNER in clev ohio #216 398 8500 thats the shop #. he is a real builder that does all the work and knows what make hp that lasts. his motors have won many races in cats and vees also 2 teams were key west champs in the same season 2 yrs ago.his motors are outerlimits boats in the passed. he has been in pbm more than once. he is the real deal in your area. the others are good I know one or 2 of them have guys doing the work while there in the office. call him and talk to him see what he can do for you. I know your motor will hold up the best with him. anyone can buy a block wip parts in it but a true master builder does his magic to the block and heads where oiling makes a big different. he built my motor to run on raw water =cold so when I asked if I if it made a different if I went closed cooling he said YES. others would not cared. so even if you just talk to him you will see a differents. good luck