Relaxing

Depends on the price!!

uluru

yes

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

CMI headers are a fine product.
It's the Mercury designed and spec'd headers that they strong-armed CMI into producing that are the sketchy ones.

Indy

They didn't have to make them if they weren't up to their standards right? IMO they made 'em, they earned the rep.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

You're right, but when you get that kind of a purchase order as a small business, you step up to make things happen so you can put food on the table.

This has been hashed over and over again. CMI submitted to Mercury what the header should consist of. Mercury wanted them cheaper, and bought them in bulk, no questions asked; and handled the warranty themselves for engines/headers under warranty. I do blame Mercury; not CMI. It's no different than GM spec'ing Delphi parts to be 'just good enough' to last 3 years/36K miles.

Indy

So using that logic, as a builder if I get a large job but need to cut some corners to make it happen I'll ignore best building practices to support my family? Baloney.

rak rua

To the OP, you knew the thread would go off topic at some point but did you get enough responses to help you?
Would YOU buy a saltwater boat?

Jupiter Sunsation

Ok, I'll alter the question........What marine use headers are good after 17 years anyway!

SB

iTrader: (1)

Are you sure ? It depends on how the contract between Mercury and CMI where for these warranty issues. Anyone know what went on behind the scenes with warranty ? Would be interesting but probably near impossible to know unless you know a person that works in this area of Mercury and/or CMI.

Knot 4 Me

CMI E-tops give a good service life for the most part. I know of a couple sets that are 13 seasons old and still going strong. The swept-backs on the 525's early on were the most problematic.