should i stick to merc drive lube or try to find a better one or synthetic?

does synthetic make any difference in top speed?

and any difference for wear and tear?

If what you are using is working with no problems, then you may want to stick with it, but if you are like me you are trying to "tweak" everything to be a little better... I've been researching this subject for my own drive (not a bravo) and really reaching "paralysis by analysis". I finally went with the Redline HD Shockproof, but have not added it yet, until this weekend. I also decided on Torco SR-1 Race motor oil for my "vintage" motor.

My final choices were the Redline Heavy Duty Shockproof, Amsoil, and Torco Gear Oils. There are probably others out there that as good or better like Scheafer or other specialty gear oils. My old drive just spec'd "a good quality SAE 90" so for my piece of mind, the synthetic seemed like the right choice. I was looking for the ultimate in protecting my old gears and keeping temps down. You might want to ask some questions on bobistheoilguy.com where they live, eat, breath and talk about nothing but oil (its a good site and they are helpful). Also talk to the folks at Redline, Torco, etc as they are very helpful too.

Good luck in your search

Amsoil drive oil is great but you have to order it. If I heard right Torco is out of business or was that motul. I would go with royal purple. You can buy it autoparts store. Its as good as amsoil and the others.

+1 on redline shockproof..

royal purple !!

Royal Purple Max Gear Lube!

Before switching from Merc lube to Amsoil on my Bravo drive I always had metal fragment on drain magnet but after switching I have never had any metal on magnet. That made me a believer.

I went to buy a new drain plug skrew, but they dont sell the magnetic one anymore

i was told that the magnet can break off and wreck the gears...

i still like the magnetic idead

do they still sell them?

and what do you guys think...magnetic or not?

Mr. Gadgets recommends Royal Purple, so when he strengthened my Bravos, I made the switch.

Ron Bender at JR Marine sells heavy duty drive magnets,
I have had mine in for 5 seasons now