It probably is more dependant on setup and assembly then IMCO vs Merc XR. I would think that either would be a good upgrade from XZ as long as the machine work and assembly was done properly on the IMCO.

Tom , sounds like you found good upper and lowers , did you find out what failed in yours ?
Good luck

Hey Mike Formula , Did you get power for your new 28 yet ?

Hey Talon25, I've decided to go with 600 cubic inch motor from Randy @ Cobra. I thought about motors for a long long time and decided to go this route just cause I thought the 525 (originally wanted) would be just a little under powered, and the fact that everyone is going with 540's and stuff i didn't want to be the slow one in the group I was very impressed with the performance they were getting out of Mike Berg's boat.

the lower is toast. I found metal flakes all through the oil. A few small chunks on the magnets. The lower shafts spin independent of one another and it sounds like and feels like rocks are in there. The upper is most likely ok. I will have it gone through and I will mate it to a take off (new) XR.
I hope to have them finished this week if I'm lucky. I found the XR lower for 750.00

Is that a '72 Camaro?

Good find on the lower.

Yep, 72 RS. it's my next project. I'm just so into the boat I can't get into doing much with it right now. It sure would be cheaper

Tom ,
Just read your post - that sucks !
Well like I told you , 6-8 races on that drive and it never let me down . Sorry to see it blew on you .
But **** , I am surprised the lower let go , and not the upper .
Anyway , hope its running fine otherwise !

No complaints Jerry

I dropped off the drive this morning and was told it wouldn't be finished by this weekend

I still have plenty to do

where did you take it?

Now the new Bravo XR is mounted. Just a couple of minor things left - have to change the spacers within the trim cylinders to fit Bravo. No biggie!