600 HP Bravo 1 support upgrades
 

Long story short, I should have followed the best advice and just bought a faster boat. But I'm stubborn and upgraded the N/A 502 engine to 600 HP/600 TQ and have asked/researched about the drive to handle it. The boat is a 1998 Cobalt 252 single engine weighs almost 4500 lbs. A used Bravo 1x is about $4k, used 1x with XR lower is about $6k, Certified Pre Owned XZ (with 1 yr warranty) is about $8500, and a used or rebuilt XR range from $9 to 10k.

I don't like the idea of buying a used OD for that much $$ with too many unknowns. After having the engine built, I don't have enough $$ put aside for a new OD. I do already have the B1 with a Teague billet top cap, 7/16" mounting studs, and the Simrek halo shower installed. I know this will not last, but I am thinking I will baby it for now until I can get the new/rebuilt drive able to properly handle the power.

Boat will be mainly used on small inland lake with roughest water coming from passing wake boats.

So my question for you all is this. What B1 supporting pieces should I upgrade now, prior to installing an XZ? (CPO XZ is the way I'm leaning right now)

I have a new OEM engine coupler now. It is not the long snout style. https://www.cpperformance.com/p-1448...-861523a9.aspx

Would I be better off with something else like this? https://www.cpperformance.com/p-1101...e-coupler.aspx

Or this guy? https://www.cpperformance.com/p-1126...e-coupler.aspx

Or the drive guardian? I've read mixed reviews of the DG. https://www.cpperformance.com/p-8000...ian-bravo.aspx

My boat prob has around 450 hrs on it and I do not have an HD transom assembly. Would it be wise to get an HD gimble ring or the SS one installed now?

I had new bellows and gimble bearing installed 3 years ago, She's been on land the last 2 with no engine or OD.

I will replace the gimble bearing with the proper size one for the OD installed. I am aware the X versions will need a different size installed due to the larger input shaft diameter.

Is there something else I overlooked?

What would you do to better handle the added HP?

I think the outdrive you have now will hold up just fine. I wouldn't go buying parts you don't need. If something happens to your outdrive you can get another one in short order. Go enjoy the new power. I wouldn't be too worried about driving like a blue hair either.

An X upper would be the only thing
that I would think might be worth doing

As long as all clearances are still in spec the upper tower is the weakest link, you shouldn't have too many issues though. If you are concerned you can ship your upper to max machine worx and they can beef it up

Otherwise 1.cooling and 2. External steering to help take stress of the gimbal

Appreciate the feedback. Thank you

You can still get a XZ?

Certified Pre Owned XZ's are available right now around $8500. Merc refurbs with a 1 yr warranty.

Guys,

This has been my dilemma since starting on my 496 rebuild. We are anticipating 600-650HP and about the same torque, and I still have a bone stock Bravo1 drive. My only saving grace is that the bulk of the PowerAdder HP is from a ProCharger, which doesn't come into boost until the boat is on plane and most of the load is off the drive.... Except when my wife pulls me fat a$$ out on a slalom.

I've been considering the XZ gearset upgrade available for CP and others. I just don't have the $3300 to drop on it at the moment.

Thoughts?

Thanks. Brad.