I've got a 1996 27' Fever Step bottom, with a built 502, B&M Megablower, pushing around 800hp.

I had a regular bravo drive, it lasted a summer, now its losing oil.

Any suggestions on what kind of drive I need to get? It is worth having the old one rebuilt?

It was suggested that I get a shorty, but the mechanic doing the work says that with that power and with me pushing 90 I will spend most of the time out of the water on ruff days.

I also am way under propped. I've got a 28 labbed - cruising speed at 3000 is about 45.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

spend the money and get a drive that can handle the hp it will be worth it in the long run

What do you suggest? XR?

An XR was built to handle 600 hp at the most. The guys around here are blowing them up with 525s. If you are truly pushing 800 hp you are way beyound any bravos capabilities. Look at the IMCO or the Conrad. You will have better luck with either of those units with that kind of power.

imco extreme

I would have your old drive disasembled to see what is wrong. If its minor just fix. If you need a gear set change to 1:36 . Even with your horsepower its big props that blow drives.

I ran a 30 - 5 blade for a weekend at SML Labor Day. I could tell it was too much.

I would really like to go with a good IMCO extreme rebuilt - test some props and see what it does.

I was told a shortie would help, but I am worried that I will spend more time in the air than in the water.

Going to a shorty is 2" higher. If its in the air so is a bravo.Don't be afraid to try a high 5 or Rev 23 prop. A Rev 23 will give you the performance of a bravo 30.

I also have a 96 27' with a Stg. II Procharger making around 750 hp that runs 90 on gps and have tested a Imco 2" shorty and at least a dozen props in the last five years, if you would like to discuss my setup just let me know, I am more than happy to share info! By the way, if anyone you know is in the market for mint 27 that has been meticulously cared for let me know, I recently bought a 35 so it needs a new home.

INDY27 - I would love to discuss your setup.

Let's get up. I'm going to take a few pics of the drive on the boat now.

Thanks for the help.

Shoot me an e-mail " [email protected]