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Old 12-23-2010 | 05:35 AM
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Hey Guys,

I'm considering installing a whipple stage 1 upgrade on my Merc 600 SCI's. According to Dustin Whipple this will net me an additional 100 hp per side which is very tempting. I also talked to TNT about potential upgrades for the bravo XR drives on the boat. This looks to be my weak point. I have a Donzi 38ZR that is staggered with a high x dimension out of the factory.

Like to hear from anyone that has done the upgrade with a similar setup and what your opinions/experiences are.

thanks

Mark
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Old 12-23-2010 | 11:23 AM
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I would seriously consider upgrading the drives to Bmax's if you go up to 700hp.
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Old 12-24-2010 | 07:51 AM
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From my own personal experience, it will only be a matter of time before you break teeth off of the upper gears. For starters, I would pick up a spare drive so you can keep boating when one breaks. You may make it one or two seasons before it goes. Check the drain plug magnets regularly and when you start to see metal, tear the drive down.

B-Max's are Ok, but I would check with Konrad. They were supposed to be coming out with a Bravo replacement soon that can handle more Hp than a regular Bravo.

You will love the new found power for sure !!

Smitty
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Old 12-24-2010 | 09:27 AM
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Or you can go with the SCX.. gears are not a weak point in them like the XR. I have a friend that runs the dog out of his 36' with 825hp Vortec motors.. 600hrs on them. He is pulling them down to check them. I will have to get a report.
If you stay with the XR's you are paying for a replacement, one Bravo at at time.

Dick
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Old 12-24-2010 | 09:40 AM
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Hi Dick,

Will the SCX drives bolt up in place of a Bravo XR ??

Can you give me a quote for 2 new SCX drives with std length lowers.

[email protected]

Thanks !!!
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Old 12-24-2010 | 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Smitty
Hi Dick,

Will the SCX drives bolt up in place of a Bravo XR ??

Can you give me a quote for 2 new SCX drives with std length lowers.

[email protected]

Thanks !!!
You need the SCX gimble helmet to bolt up the SCX drive. Which is 900.00.
And a complete SCX drive is 12,900.00
We have customers with 900 HP motors that have no issue whatsoever with them. We are an IMCO dealer and can help you with the setup !
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Old 12-24-2010 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Smitty
From my own personal experience, it will only be a matter of time before you break teeth off of the upper gears. For starters, I would pick up a spare drive so you can keep boating when one breaks. You may make it one or two seasons before it goes. Check the drain plug magnets regularly and when you start to see metal, tear the drive down.

B-Max's are Ok, but I would check with Konrad. They were supposed to be coming out with a Bravo replacement soon that can handle more Hp than a regular Bravo.

You will love the new found power for sure !!

Smitty
Bmax's are now better than they used to be with the new owner, John aka waconda. He just completely redesigned the lower also and has new lower cases in production. I don't know exactly what internal changes he made to the lowers. I'm pretty sure the lowers were the weak link before this change.
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Old 12-28-2010 | 07:05 AM
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OK Guys,
looks like the IMCO SCX or a spare drive is the answer. I'll guess I'll try the spare drive for now. (Cheaper to start with)

Can anybody vouch for the results that Whipple claims for the stage 1 upgrade on the 600SCI"s?

Thanks!
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