difference in drives
 

Hi guys I will like to know the difference between speedmaster 3,4and 5. thanks.

Re: difference in drives
 

the 3 drive is a v bottom rive with a 750 hp max hp rating made for boats that need bow lift the 4 and 5 drives are short : and run at the surface and 750 hp max 18 i/n dia prop all requier a ext trammison

Re: difference in drives
 

how much shorter are the #4 and 5 than the #3 drive.

Re: difference in drives
 

can i run #5's on a deep v without standoff box and transom notch.

Re: difference in drives
 

That will depend on where the X dim is set up.

Also, there are SSM3's and 3a's. The 3a's are stronger with (I think) larger propshafts.

Re: difference in drives
 

Yup, 3A has a 26-spline large shaft, different internals as well.

Re: difference in drives
 

If you want merc if not the 3 go for the 5 or 6

Re: difference in drives
 

4's were only made for a short time around 1989.

They have not made 'plain 3's' in a long time. 3A's (which are basically a long version of a 5) and 5's are discontinued.

Barry

Re: difference in drives
 

I was told the hp rating on #4's is 600hp

Re: difference in drives
 

Cig 39, 4 or 5 has a prop shaft height 5.5" higher than a 3 or a 3A. I have run 850 hp thru small shaft fours and did fine. However, I am sure that if I had wanted to I could have went out and broken one by being stupid. New parts for the 3 and 4 are getting a little tough to find. 5 is ok. Seems like the gear selections are the first to dry up.

Re: difference in drives
 

I ran 800hp through 4's and did ok. Broke tranies.

Re: difference in drives
 

thanks guys. if u got a good deal on #4s would u buy them and install them on a v bottom boat. ex-race boat longshot.

Re: difference in drives
 

I have seen a lot of #5's for not too much more than #4's and I think they still make the 5's...How much power will you be putting through them. I put close to 800 through my #4's and they are fine, I think they are rated for much more than 600HP.

Re: difference in drives
 

The 5's lasted a couple of races max with 775 hp and 125-130 mph.... There was tremendous heat build up in the uppers and the lowers got used up quickly as well.

See below.

If you want long term high stress use...go for the 6's.

T2x

Re: difference in drives
 

right now i have 700s but next year i am going to supercharge them to about 900-950hp.

Re: difference in drives
 

I would just get the SSM 6's and be done with it.

Re: difference in drives
 

I would go Konrad. :cool: