525's w XR's
 

Buying a Cigarette w 250 hrs. How long will the 525's and XR drives last w moderate use and not beating the crap out of them? When do they typicall need to be rebuilt and how much does that cost? Thanks!!

Plan on having them inspected Soon.

Ugh. Thx for the heads up!

Gears pitted in mine 200 hours.

Figure at least 4K a drive.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]560645[/ATTACH]

Or go with these, lose a little speed(and alittle more $) and Never worry Again!

Then Whipples LOL

Did you miss the part about not beating the crap out of them. Why was yours 5k for the upper then?

A lot of it depends on how you drive and where you boat.

I am just over 300 hrs on mine and over Labor Day weekend had a problem with one XR, far as I can tell it is in the lower half. My plan here is just buy new between now and spring. At this point I do not feel these drives owe me anything. Lube changes every 25 hrs or so, high quality synthetic lube, best one could do, these things just have a life. Rehab or buy new, your choice.

Don't for get about the motor work as well as drives. I believe they are like the 500efi's and need top ends done soon and have the headers checked they are known for leaking

They might last a while "not beating the crap out of them"...but what did the previous owner do to them over the last 250 hours...?

It would probably only be $1-2k each to have them completely disassembled and inspected. If you wait until it fails, now you're looking at $7k+..?

You were quoted $3500 to freshen the 525s so you're looking at $7k for that, say $4k to freshen both drives so you're in it for $11k for everything fresh. Thats cheap peace of mind considering both motors and drives are KNOWN to have issues with these hours...

525s with XRs, its not if, it's when and how lucky do you feel? On one hand some money up front and enjoy your boat or on the other hand roll the dice. I choose to be preventative to lower risk as much as possible.

It has always puzzled me why Cig has not stepped up to #6 or NXT drives. The XR under over 500 hp will always be the weak link.....always. Hot for Teacher is a 38 TG with #6 drives. Very little drive issues for big HP old school blower power. 125 mph + Top Gun. Cig says balance i say price?

My previous boat broke the drive twice all in under 300 hours. I wish I would of bit the bullet and bought the IMCO after the first failure.