I I am thinking it is time for more power. What I would like to know is how many HPs can I put to my standard Bravo 1 and for how long. I know it all depends how I treat it and how many times I get this slug out of the water but if I use my head what do you think is my limit. Will she hold up to 550HP? This is a 2001 28 Thunder with a 496HO. Soon to be a 496HHHo.

boatfreak, I've heard from pretty reliable sources that the HP525 actually puts out close to 550 hp with the Bravo xr drive. Not sure of the difference between the xr and the xz but I'm going to be puting approx. 600 hp on a stock xz and was told it would handle it fine as long as I was carefull out of the hole. The xr is supposed to be stronger then the xz so, go from there.

i have 10 hours froma 550hp blower motor on a standard bravo (normal b1) with no issues whatsoever. Merc warranteed them up to 500hp

I've blown up 3 stock B1's with 415hp.

It's more of an issue of how heavy your boat is, and how you use it.

28 Pantera with a 525SC.

Blew the uppers in a stock Bravo at 210hrs.

I now have 125 hrs on an Imco upper(beefed up standard Bravo) and the stock Bravo lower. No problems at all. Never any metal in the lube.

Thanks guys, I'll let you know what kind of luck I have.

If your easy on it it will last a long time- If not it will be dead in 1 day guaranteed...

If you don't want to baby it get an XR and run it hard.

It's going to depend on how much boating you do on Lake Michigan this season.

twin 970hp blown on xz's with imco lowers on my ao cat. i run hard