top cap or halo
 

What is the best way to cool a B1 top gear set. A top cap that has water running through it or Halo type shower.

I like the Halo design. It cools through the sides where the housing is the thinnest. It just so happens that I have one of the new halo style that bolts to the pin that goes through the trim cylinders instead of having to drill holes. I see your in Toms River. Come pick it up for $100 if your interested.

Its a Simrek here's a pic:

Same here, I like the halo type. I put one on last year. When I bought my boat (23' with bravo one and 330hp 454) the upper gear case paint was bubbled from heat (pretty standard on those I've heard). I put a halo shower on, repainted the outdrive and have yet to see any paint blistering. I always check it after I get her on the trailer and it's just barely warm at the upper gear case portion - so I guess it's working.... I had to drill holes in the plate to put mine on (no big deal really) - that one that mounts on the trim cylinders looks pretty sweet though :D

Billet Marine top cap. Supports the upper bearing and provides complete cooling to the cap "internally". If it is cost you are mostly guided by, then go the halo route.

A good, external, top cap cooler has the showers extending over the side and will cool the side just as much as a halo system....they look better too. I went with the rex marine unit that has the hidden bolts. The billet marine cap with internal coolers is awesome, but expensive.

I've had both and if you want to properly cool the top cap, then you need to dump water directly on the top. Halo type showers only cool the sides. Spoken from experience.

Hydrocool by Inovation Marine is a very nice properly functioning unit that cools the top cap very well.

And I can get you a great price too! Email me at [email protected] specify OSO so I know.

Kirk

I have a new in the box Latham drive shower. Screws into the top plate on the top cap. Paid 135 + shipping--will sell for 100 + shipping.
Jay

I've always run Simreks on my Bravos. I will admit that the new designs look good. Just never have had any problems with the Simreks.

I did a little test this past fall with a drive oil temp gage kit. Took readings before the drive shower, and after. I found no difference in oil temp. I used the Halo type. But, I am also pushing alot of horse power into this drive. Here is a thread about the project.
http://www.speedwake.com/upload/show...rive+temp+gage

I would also sugest this product if you want the BEST in bravo protection.

http://www.drewmarine.com/products/c...coolswirl.html

I think I will be trying one this spring.

Hmmm, haven't seen one of those fluid cooler setups yet. Pretty simple really. I bet that works well:cool-smiley-011:

Hydrocool by Inovation Marine have always worked for me.

They claim a 100 degree drop as soon as the system is turned on! Most systems operate with a switch the driver turns on. I have a drive temp gaga and will be testing the system next spring. Last fall I had the drive temp gage pegged at the hottest reading after a good hard run. I can't keep doing that without a different cooling system.

Here is a picture I took while I was running hard. This is with a halo type shower. It got hotter than this.

here is the temp when just cruising (50 yo 60mph)

I use the Simrek halo shower. I know it works as I have wake boarded behind the boat and you can see it dumping tons of water on the drive. I don't run a temp gauge so I cannot say exactly how much it drops the oil temp. However, since installling the shower I no longer have to clean the drive several times a year to remove lime buildup. She stays clean all season now.

Personaly I don't think showers do anything more than keep the outter case clean. I did tests with e drive temp gage with a shower and without. No difference. Running easy, or running hard.