200hp optimax on 23cc?

[osprey]

hello everyone,

I tried a search, but so much stuff comes up that doesn't answer my question, so here is the question. I'm running a 1998 merc efi 225hp and am marginally happy with the performance. I can tell it is just slightly strained. fuel ecomomy is not good. My buddy has a 2002 200hp optimax that I could slap on. It has < 400hours. Would I be crazy to do it. I don't care if I loose a little top end, or if it gets on plane a little slower. I'm thinking fuel ecomomy. Will it still keep me up on plane at say 35-40 mph going from a 225 to a 200hp

Thanks

[Bigshrimpin]

I'd go for the optimax if it's not too expensive. Those old 3.0L 225 mercs were fuel thirsty slugs unless you have them worked on. There are shops like simonsmotorsports that can wake them up. Might be worth calling around . . . There was also that company in FL who was working on a bolt on diesel powerhead for 3.0L mercs.



http://www.simonmotorsports.com/page15.html

[Bigshrimpin]

BTW - my dad ran a 25ft steigercraft with a 1986 200hp 2.4L blackmax for 15 years. The boat would top out just shy of 40mph with a 15 pitch prop and cruise effortlessly at 22knots 10/11gph. In 1999 He repowered with a 3.0L Mariner 225. The performance wasn't much different . . . but the fuel burn was now 16gph at cruise.

[Capt Chuck]

The first 15 years of my 1978 23' was run with a single 200hp OB without issues & plenty of power

[jwclbi]

Not to get away from the subject of repower, but I have 1998 225 efi Merc. and have been very satisfied with it. The question i have to bigshrimpin is what do you mean by "wake it up" more power? better fuel mileage? (I'm hoping for the better fuel burn!!) Anyway let me know what you think, thanks.

[Snookerd]

Those old 3.0L 225 mercs were fuel thirsty slugs unless you have them worked on.

I'm looking forward to my 225 3.0 slugs getting up and running in this next week. [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Bigshrimpin]

I'd call simons for details. They are claiming "335 reliable HP, 350 foot pounds of torque, at the prop shaft, on pump gas"

I don't know too much about 3.0L mods, except from some second hand info and a bunch of reading. I'm just parroting what I've read. . . . my slug comment is based on personal experience

[Snookerd]

I spoke to Doodlebug on his 250's @ Long Point and he said he was going to re-program them down to 225's for better fuel usage. If there is a line at the fuel dock, it's probably Doodlebug and I with our twin 3.0s

[Capt Chuck]

If there is a line at the fuel dock, it's probably Doodlebug and I with our twin 3.0s

Seeing your post Danny, and Trident's new Boating endeavor, I started my new business this week.


I already know your reply """ """

[Snookerd]

Chuck-
Very appropriate sign at the gas station .............Got any positions available?? I was considering lending in the grocery business