Greg, my eyes are starting to feel better; thanks for asking. I need to wait a few more days before getting back to it, and I think I will toss my self darkening hood! So, for right now everything is in limbo. As soon as I can get back to it I will post some pics.

MAXX, please mail me a price to upgrade my Bravo HPs into XR/XZ equals plus your shortening operations.
thanks
Shawn

John it looks like I will have time to nock off early on Fri if you want to come up. If you are call before you leave for OH so I can schedule accordingly.

B.R.S. and shawn, I sent emails to you guys. Shawn, I need to get up with Chris at Stern Drive Specialties on current prices for gear sets etc. ( I buy all of my Merc stuff from sterndrivespec)

Maxx thanks for the compliments. I hope to go to paint tomarrow.

Jon

updates???

mxz800, I posted a couple of pics illustrating the indexing of the two sections. However, I just got the shaft today and checked for shimming, straightness, backlash, etc. Everything worked out great, and I am very encouraged. I will complete the welding and cosmetic touches next week and post some photos. I have kept a journal of the entire process; logging info about any glitches and ideas that would make everything come together a little smoother.

John/Maxx, I think I am going to need my drives shortened by two inches as well. It would be nice if you could cast a nose cone right into the drive---kinda like IMCO does. I still might be interested anyway.

Q. I wonder if it is more critical to have better hydrodynamics i.e. a nose cone when the drive is deepe into the water or higher up near the surface/surface piercing? Can anyone answer that?

By the way, I have XR drives from the year 2000

Mark / Kaama, I was wondering the same thing. Precision Manufacturing in Fl makes a nose cone / LWP that is not as large as some of the others I've seen. I was going to do some testing with that one to see if it makes any difference. Give me a call when you get a chance

John how did the trip to Fla go?