Twins or a single-which would u want?
12-29-2011 | 05:12 PM
#111
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,442
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From: Washington, MO
This is actually a very realistic question. I'd bet that the two packages (single 525/XR vs Twin 6.2's) are nearly the same up front cost.
Long term though I'm not sure. the 525 will need a top end at 200-250 hours and a full rebuild at 400-500 hours. The XR drive will be fully taxed with the 525.
6.2's... what's the life expectancy on these things, 800-1000 hours? double that of the 525. The parts are also WAY cheaper when it comes to rebuild. The Bravos drives are perfectly suited to the power and should last just as long as the engines. Headers are problematic too.
So, the only extra expense of the 6.2's comes with general maintenance. It doesn't really cost that much to maintain these things... we're talking an extra $200 or so per season for an extra impeller, fuel filter, and fluids? exhaust manifolds go, but two sets of these for every set of CMI's... I'll call that a wash.
Overall, I'm with twins. It's far less of a PITA to deal with than a single 525 that IMO is not reliable. I used to put 200 hours a year on my boat. I would have blown my lid if I had to pull the engine every year.
Long term though I'm not sure. the 525 will need a top end at 200-250 hours and a full rebuild at 400-500 hours. The XR drive will be fully taxed with the 525.
6.2's... what's the life expectancy on these things, 800-1000 hours? double that of the 525. The parts are also WAY cheaper when it comes to rebuild. The Bravos drives are perfectly suited to the power and should last just as long as the engines. Headers are problematic too.
So, the only extra expense of the 6.2's comes with general maintenance. It doesn't really cost that much to maintain these things... we're talking an extra $200 or so per season for an extra impeller, fuel filter, and fluids? exhaust manifolds go, but two sets of these for every set of CMI's... I'll call that a wash.
Overall, I'm with twins. It's far less of a PITA to deal with than a single 525 that IMO is not reliable. I used to put 200 hours a year on my boat. I would have blown my lid if I had to pull the engine every year.
One downside to the 6.2 black engines is there is very little you can do with respect to horsepower upgrades, unlike the 525. Pretty much have to start from scratch, which is okay with me, someday...
Oh, and I believe the 525 271 package was the same or a bit more than the twin 6.2 292 package back in 2005.
