Bravo X vs XR
 

I was running 76 mph with T-502/415hp bravo ones in my 1996 single step 32 fountain. I'm repowering with T-550 hp motors. Which drives should I be looking for in the OSO Swap Shop ? Bravo X or XR

I've heard Bravo X are stronger...not worth paying for the XRs

Thanks, I also heard that. I will be looking for bravo 1x this winter.

I was running a Brovo X on my 26zx with 700hp. Lost my drive this past summer. The brovo x is beefed up more than a Brovo 1. Shares the same housing as a Brovo xr. The xr has larger gears and the prop shaft is 1.25" instead of 1'

What part let go on the bravo X drive ? lower /upper ?

A.J

XR upper is MUCH stronger! After my repower to the 525 the Bravo X blew up in 7 hours. The XR upper has gone 3 seasons so far.

The X is rated for up to 425HP engine packages.
The XR is rated for engines up to the 600sci.

Somebody told meto check out the Bam Marine site once.Good adhas advice. It has a comparision chart there. Aside from the b igger prop shaft the xr has tougher straight cut gears as the x has helical which are quieter but are not as strong. I thought I could cheat fate recently by using xv gears in mine. I lost. Shortcuts always catch up. Ditto what griff said

Im going from 415 to 550hp engine. Should turn a 30P prop.

There's a reason Mercury mates their 425 hp motors to the X and their 525 hp motors to the XR. If you're easy on the throttle from take off you may get a way with the X for a while but if you're looking for a replacement drive anyways then why cut corners?

XRs will be on my winter wish list. Victroy marine has them new or reman. Best prices so far. Thinking now XR uppers new. -2 imco lowers.

Upper

I replaced my upper with Teagues Platinum drive. Its A beefed up XR. Grears are crygogenly ? frozen which makes them a lot tuffer, and has the teague vertical flex shaft. I also had teague rebuild my lower to a XR

I would save my money for the Imco SCX. The newer Bravo XR gears are just not that strong. Your bravo prob has older gears that were forged stronger. Just keep running what you have untill they break. You also could find a used matching bravo and rotate that through as a spare drive. They are the least expensive and prob will last just as long as a bravo x or xr. When a drive breaks put the spare on and have the broken drive fixed.

No matter what, EVERY bravo based drive WILL wear out the gears way to fast. Bravo, Bravo X, Bravo XZ, Bravo XR, Bravo III, Imco SC, Max machine worx, All american Drive, B-Max lower.

Bravo xr
 

I have bought these XR drives, 3 hour use after IMCO rebuild on a 35 donzi with 525s, now i have to fine the right engines to replace my 502mpi with.

If you need engines i may have some fresh 540s forsale.

installed an XR when i went with the blower setup...too early to rate the drive,as engine is just broken in (5-6 hours)

Thinking about the 509s in the swap. I see your tall deck 540s @ 24K.

Would the tall decks fit? How close would that put the headers!

drives are 34"