Anyone know if the factory changed the x dimension between model years 97 and 98? 97 was the first year year for the stepped hull.

The reason I am askingis that I'm looking at a 97 with HP500 carbs. I have heard that there a problems with reversion because the riser pipes are basically straight back to the transom. The 98 models look like they are better becuase they angle downwards towards the transom.

Does this make sense?