My last Formula (312) used 1.65 ratio bravos. I know the 292's still do and a buddy has a 28 sonic with them but who else? Seems a rare drive ratio......are they hard to find? Are the drives worth any more or less considering: Less common, but lower availability?

I specified a 1:65 ratio on my Bravo1x when I ordered my Nordic Rage. There wasn't any price difference.

My 03 Pq 300 revenge came with them on 6.2l motors.
I ran out of prop selection when I changed motors.
Ended up changing the lower gears to to make 1.5 ratio.
Went with Xr lower gears and prop shaft.

Reggie uses them on many of his Fountains. Very common, added torque to the prop.

It seems to me that they will increase your cruising speed by allowing a bigger prop. Does it affect the top end?

Any thoughts?

Thats a good question. I posted a thread on this in the Nordic forum under "5 Bladed Rage" I hope to get some real world top speed and rpm readings this spring when this winters ice age comes to an end.

It's even cold here in TX. I've been to castle rock. Nice Golf course up there in Castle pInes. I like the sanctuary also.

I've lived and worked in the area for years. I worked for a consulting engineering firm that did work on the 3 Golf Courses in Castle Pines. Up untill a few years ago I lived about a mile from the Sanctuary. I did the survey on the property when it was purchased and watched it was developed into what it is today.

The change in drive ratio negates the effect of the bigger prop. Shouldn't be much if any difference in cruise speed.

In high altitude areas the 1.65 bravo is specified on v-8 applications. I had an upper that I gave to friend in a marina that did me some favors. He may still have it if interested, ended up rebuilding the customers drive with new parts. Look at the bravo drive gear chart when mixing and matching uppers and lowers. There are many different combos possible. Lower gears were availiable in I believe 3 different ratios.
I was surprised to learn that the 35' Fastech in the marina had 502 MPI's with the 1.65 Drives.
I guess we can never assume anything .... BBB