Well after many years of bs about how much faster a 300x is over a 300xs I decided to find out for myself. Not that I needed another project. I know it will be faster but the question remains how much faster. There are different years supposedly better than others etc. I went ahead and bought a set of motors with the intentions of doing a complete overhaul. I totally disassembled them and have inspected all parts and components. I have begun the reassembly process with the clamp brackets and mids. They were stripped down to the metal, Rebuilt with all new components and repainted by Supreme Marine in Ft. Lauderdale. I have installed the exhaust temp probes in the exhaust plate and replaced the poppets.
The short blocks are almost done getting new pistons, rings, bearings, 1 new crankshaft, a few rods and good clean up.
I will keep you guys posted with the progress. I will be using my 300xs cowlings in place of the old style x ones. Eliminating the need to rerig the back of the boat.

I guess all Skaters are projects haha. Hope you reach the numbers you have in mind.

Yep, you need bigger power to haul amplifiers, stereos, woofers, speakers, night vision, dash panels, windshields, huge chart plotter, and140 gallons of gas. Just kidding ole bud, you have a beautiful Skater and are building some very fine engines. Your work is always excellent. Carry on.

Now if I could get one of those very cool Skater T shirts.........

This should be very interesting.

So you are rebuilding two sets of engines. Are you doing the rebuilds. If not you have deep pockets of cash. Thought 300x have 20 or so more hp from factory. Figure they would win the battle.

I'm on the fence on giving up the 2.5 OS lu/mid
platform and going to the 3 ltr. Get me motivated! I'm subscribed!

The Talon Guy until I can afford bigger!

It's a disease in general. Not brand specific. Lol! I spent $250.00 in fuel yesterday and loved every mile!

Great project youve got going on Ron
Did you have corrosion issues when tearing down the midsections?
The torch became my best friend when I disassembled my 2.5s
It looks like you're restoring better than new, i appreciate the hard work involved in a project like this, way to go!

Regarding the questions, I am doing the rebuilds myself but with some help from Guy at TNT. He is one of the best Mercury outboard guys around. Has seen it all in his day. My company does a lot work with TNT and their guys are all great. I try and do everything myself but looked to him to assist with the inspection and reassembly of the blocks. I am also buying all parts through them.
David, I was lucky in the fact the motors came from a fresh water boat and not too much corrosion. Only had to use the torch a couple of times.
I will have a bunch of used parts for sale soon that will still be good for someone on a budget. I really believe these motors will be better than new.

his will would cool to watch. Have you considered using the 3.2 stroker cranks in the 300x motors. I know simon has built some stroker efi 3.0 based motors that make 375hp or more.