Rebel_Heart

Ran Dom 32 - Sounds as though we might be doing the same upgrade with the same hull and same x-dim. Mine won't be ready for several weeks with the engine upgrade. What do you think is the best deal:

2" lower complete - $3,380 (1 yr warranty)
or
lower case - $1,680 and short vertical shaft - $630

Is there anything that would make up the difference in price other than the warranty? My Bravo's only have 85 hrs, so should be in pretty good shape.

I also, could replace the upper gears for $1,300 a side making them x-gears, not sure if that would be worth it?

Opinions???????

Ran-Dom 32

shop around for the vertical shaft, I picked up the shafts for 175 each (Imco new) or just go for the IMCO case & shaft for $1750 -

Rebel_Heart

That's quite a bit of difference in $. Is it true the Imco shorties have had problems with water pressure? Is there no difference between the castings of the Imco and Bravos?

Ran-Dom 32

you may end up having to add sea strainers if you go with the imco to relieve some of the water pressure. (this is one of the reasons I went with the bravo shop lower.)

Rebel_Heart

Guess I'll go with the Bravo Shop shorties. Are you going to buy a spacer just in case, or do you think the 2" will be fine?

What about the uppers, I see you are going with stock Bravo upper at 600. Do you think that 700 NA warrants a change out to the x gears?

RaggedEdge

Ran-Dom 32,
How about your opinion on the -2 Sportmasters you tested. How was the handling and speed compared to the standard Bravo lower? Would appreciate your input! Thanks!

Ran-Dom 32

RaggedEdge, I had very limited test time with the Sportmaster -2 lowers on my boat, Just enough time to conclude that they were definitely faster in all conditions, the boat did seem to ride a little flatter, but overall the handling was not adversely affected. I did have the opportunity to purchase those sportmasters I tried , but I'm hoping the B-Shop lower will be a bit faster. I know what takes to gain a few MPH - you can't beat the shorty set up as far as $$$ vs speed gains. Hopefully I will be testing in a few weeks with the new lowers & I will let you know how I make out.

RaggedEdge

Ran- - Dom 32 ,
Thanks for the reply ! Did you feel the shorter cases gave the drives enough trim leverage to free the hull up ? Also you mention having the chance to purchase the Sportmasters you tested , would you know if they are still available ? New ? Used ? Have not seen any listed for sale anywhere lately , might be interested for my boat. Fully agree that this is possibly the best bang for the buck , gain some speed and skip the hassles of hot rodded engines.
BTW also have a '99 35 , 500's and the Anniversary paint. Came from Lake Cumberland , Marginmn on here was previous owner. Great boat , have been very happy with it !
Good luck with your set up , really looking foreward to hearing how well you make out. Thanks Again !