XR vs. XZ
 

I know that this subject has been discussed before.
Can someone give me a link to the thread or tell me again.
What are the differences?
Is one stronger than the other?
Can they both handle 600+HP?
I have a friend with a 29' Fountain that is planning to Supercharge his 502.
Quite sure that he will blow the stock Bravo.
Can he up grade to either?
Thanks for the help!

They are 100 % the same except for the following.

XZ = Spiral Cut Gears
XR = Straight Cut Gears

The XZ has been discontinued.

Merc only sold the XZ for 500 EFI motors. The XR for 525 and 575's.

The XR takes just a little more horsepower to operate.

Hope this helps, I have the XZ's with 500 EFI.

My 2002 Bravo drive (w/496 Mag HO) is identified only as an "X". Is this the same as the XZ?

the new X is the same as XZ ... i called merc tech support last week to ask that very question.

Don

The drives with the X gears have thicker floors than the old standard and HP Bravos. I believe the difference between an X and XZ was input ujoints were bigger on the XZ. And maybe the larger prop shaft. There was an article a few years back on the differences. But as of late you cant get the old style gears and end up with X gears for replacement on the standard Bravos, so I have been told. They discontinued the XZ, but like Chromecat said, I think it is the X now.
The XR's handle more power, but the gears seem to wear a bit faster than the X's.. from what I have seen. My experience is limited with X's, but have ruined and setup a few XR's. I ruined my own, or should I say wore it out quickly, due to improper setup of gears. I now am very anal about measuring everything to make it right. So far so good.
I hope this helps.. there are more experieced people out there that can add to this. Did you try doing a search on the board for "Bravo"??? That may turn up some threads.
Dick

See if this helps

http://go-fast.com/mercruiser_bravo_sterndrives.htm

Can a pre-"0M" standard Bravo be upgraded to an "X". What would be the approx. cost?