pq 280 upgrades
 

Anyone do any mods on a 280 silencer? Mine has a 502, and I'm considering performance upgrades. Any info would be great!!

Re: pq 280 upgrades
 

Keep it stock. If you boost the motor you will burn it up and loose out on resale.I had a 1999 28 and loved it but the best upgrade from the 28 is the 34 and this one is for sale. HP500's McLeod boolsters, flat screen TV and all the goodies, fast , comfortable and very very clean.Ride is a big step up from the 28. Only reason it's for sale is I bought the PQ 38.
PM me if you want more Pics.

Re: pq 280 upgrades
 

I would spend the money on an exhaust upgrade. And a performance Flame arrester. Not cheap but piece of mind on the crappy merc exhaust. You might get 1-2 MPH increase. I would go with Stainless Marine for the exhaust. Other than that you are taking away from stock, and you will hurt resale. Plus it does cost quite a bit to really go faster.

Re: pq 280 upgrades
 

Gary, thanks for the info. I put a K&N flame arrestor on, made a noticable difference. Also tried a 26" labbed prop, light load, engine turned 5200. Exchanged it for a labbed 28" which I haven't tried yet. We'll see.

performancemary, beautiful boat!! I've only owned this one since august. A year or 2 away from upgrading. But you guys have convinced me to leave it alone for resale...

Re: pq 280 upgrades
 

I looked at Crockett Marine upgrades. Says it will get you 100 to 115 HP, its cam, valves, cpu upgrade and exhaust. Most on this board will say keep it stock, the "normal" PQ buyer will most likley want stock motors, so the money you spend is pertty much gone and you may hurt the resale. That being said, if you did do it at 18 hp for 1 mph you will get about 5.5 mph more. :D

It looks like Im going that way on my 38, I hope to do it yet this year.
You can expext to pay about 7500. total with dyno time if you have it done.

The next best thing is to find a good used HP500 or HP525. But now your more like 20 to 25 grand for the motor plus install. After looking at all options I would not be scared to grab some more horses from your 502, stay away from blowers.

Call Tyler Crockett, he is super nice and he has done a ton of 502s.
I really dont know why everyone is so scared of warmed up motors :cool:
Cigs, fountians ext.... that is the norm. Have it done by a pro that has a good rep that will be around when you sell the boat and keep all the records on just what was done, but you might take a butt woopin when you sell................ Never know :D

Re: pq 280 upgrades
 

If your 502 still has the stock exhaust......getting rid of it! I was very happy with the Stainless Marine manifolds and polished risers I put on my 502.

Re: pq 280 upgrades
 

I agree with Macklin.Also,the sound will bring a smile to your face.BOB

Re: pq 280 upgrades
 

On my old 280, I had a 502 also.
For piece of mind, I replaced the stock manifold/risers w/ Stainless marine.
Also added a Vortech flame arrestor and had my computer sent out for a "performance tune"
Did the labbed 26P prop thing and I gained a much lighter wallet, GREAT sound due the exhaust and maybe 2 mph.
Biggest PERFORMANCE gains were from Vortch flame arrestor and props. (Actually saw the most speed from a 24p Hydromotive Q-IV w/o diffuser lip)

Re: pq 280 upgrades
 

Bill,
Thanks for the info, I spoke with Tom @ Hydromotive, remembering your earlier remarks re: the 24 hydro,( besides being the fastest prop), the difficulty planing in rough water, etc. He suggested the P-5X 25" 5 blade. He thinks it would be just as fast as the 24 Hydro, but better holeshot. Have you tried this prop?? It's getting expensive trying and exchanging props!! Thanks.

Re: pq 280 upgrades
 

It seems that CMI headers are the way to go. Spoke to them about my application, and they asked me if the boat has 'standard Bravo hole openings @ the transom'?? Since PQ is hopefully 'temporarely' out of business, does anyone no if thats the case....or how far off they are?? :D :D

Re: pq 280 upgrades
 

I don't think a 5 blade will work well. I never tried one though.
The 4 blade hydro was not hard to plane, but it did take a little finesse to keep the motor from over reving just as the boat comes over onto plane. At that point the hydro (w/o diffuser) will blow out a bit, but grabs gradually. Kinda like slipping the clutch on your car. Also lifted the arse end of the boat more, and made for a significantly better ride. If where you boat - it is rough (esp when planing) the Hydro is not for you.