2005 Bravo X ??????

[VegasHallett]

I was thinking of buying a 2005 Bravo X for my 270 Hallett. I have a whipple on a 502efi and was wondering if anyone had any experience with the new redesigned 2005 bravo X model. I was quoted a good price and I'm thining of going ahead. Any thoughts?????

[Havasu Hangin']

With that much HP on that big boat, I'd probably go with the XR for the forged straight-cut uppers and bigger propshaft.

[VegasHallett]

The company said If I go with the XR I will lose 3 mph top end due to the straight cut gears (extra weight/friction).
I have about 620hp and he said the X will do just fine since the upper on a X unit is the same as the XZ and the lower is the same as a Bravo, he says nothing really goes wrong with the lower Bravo unit.
So he says!!!!! :rolleyes:

[phebus]

I just upgraded my X with XR upper gears, and saw no appreciable difference in speed. Go XR. The cost of a mile or two per hour, is a lot less then the cost of as new drive.

[Havasu Hangin']

Yeah...that's good.
I think the (unadvertised) parasitic loss difference between helicut and straight-cut gears is around 5HP. I'm not an expert, but it's minimal.
The X was originally designed for deisels, with near-net forged upper gears, and is rated up to 450HP.
The XR has a beefed up upper (to support the forged gears) and some other features that rate it up to 600HP.
The main thing that kills drives is a loose nut on the steering wheel...

[redi4fun]

Rick,
Did mercruiser finally help you out or was the extended warranty worthless?

[VegasHallett]

How much HP do you have?
I can get the X for $4,500 and the XZ for $5,000 and the XR for $6250.

[phebus]

Rick,
Did mercruiser finally help you out or was the extended warranty worthless?
A compromise was reached, and I paid for the cost for the upgraded XR gears, and Mercury picked up the cost of labor.

[VegasHallett]

Is there a big difference between the 2005 XR and the older versions?

[Beer-30]

If I were prepared to spend $4500, I would just wait a little longer, or whatever I needed to do to get the extra $1700 for the XR. Piece of mind of the stout drive out in the middle of Mead or Powell - with a blown motor, I might add - would be priceless.
Have you checked into the Max Machine upgrades? I am thinking they would make a stronger drive out of your existing case and such for around the same if not less? I don't know this, it is just a guess, but my first stop would be all the custom places. If I could get a custom drive built for $6200 or less, I would be all over it. These guys know all the weak spot and cure them. Seems it would be the way to go.

[spectras only]

Yeah...that's good.
Ihe main thing that kills drives is a loose nut on the steering wheel...
No matter which drive [ X or XR ] , a log will grenade it :p :boxed:
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/broken%20bellhousing

[Beer-30]

True that! Ouch.

[Beer-30]

Is there a big difference between the 2005 XR and the older versions?
I believe the only noticeable differences are the case (slightly classier looking) and supposedly very smooth shifting. I don't know if this applies to the new XR, but I know the others are supposed to have a redesigned clutch to engage/disengage easier.

[scarabrick2]

ttt