Cowling modification / changing questions

[Slimm]

Those of you that have seen my engine and me know one of the 'problems' I have with my current cowling setup.
Those of you that do not, allow me to explain: I have one leg and some severe back problems that are getting worse much more rapidly than anticipated and my cowling ( see attached photos) is about as heavy as my powerhead which creates some difficult / painful situations when I want / need to remove it.

What are my options for cowlings that will interchange with mine and be LIGHTER.

Also, in the event I am not satisfied with my cowling change options I am considering cutting a hole in the front of my cowl and trying to retrofit one of the factory front covers onto my ridiculously over engineered heavy a$$ cowling so my carbs can sip some clean fresh air.

Other than changing jets to fatten it up a little to allow for the increased airflow, does anyone have any thoughts/ opinions about putting a front cover on this cowling?

Here is what I have



Slimm

[Eagle One]

We sell two different models of light weight aftermarket cowlings which weigh about 12-14 lbs. I understand the difficulty of the stock heavy unit that nearly needs an engine hoist to pick it up. If you'll give me a call I'll make you a special discounted offer that will solve your cowling issues as well as answer any other questions you might have. Noah Legear/Eagle One Performance Products Inc. 850-527-7817

[Slimm]

We sell two different models of light weight aftermarket cowlings which weigh about 12-14 lbs. I understand the difficulty of the stock heavy unit that nearly needs an engine hoist to pick it up. If you'll give me a call I'll make you a special discounted offer that will solve your cowling issues as well as answer any other questions you might have. Noah Legear/Eagle One Performance Products Inc. 850-527-7817

Thank you Noah for that offer, I appreciate that.

Slimm

[1BadAction]

Slimm, any light cowling you come across is going to require you to pull the powerhead, remove the mounts you have for your lower cowling, then install a base plate with two gaskets between the powerhead and exhaust plate. It's not a tough job as long as you have the engine hoist. There are multiple lightweight merc cowls, not sure if the old school T3 style would fit, but the 260/300drag and Alien would definitely work for you.

[skeeter91]

hi slimm~
i just completed a rebuilt on a 1996 efi motor that had one of those heavy turds on it.that was the first thing i adressed when i got the motor.i replaced it with a 1992 offshore hood and lowers.its not a racing lightwieght,but its a WHOLE lot lighter than the original one!i also deleted the big azz badge and latch on the front and reteofitted an old crossflow one,cleans the front up,just MHO.~

[Slimm]

Thanks guys for the information. I am taking it all in and hopefully i will come across some useful information or a good used lightweight setup.

Slimm

[2jz]

You guys are lucky to have one. I have double the pain of dealing with twin 2001 optimax setup one cowling is 33lbs. I bought 2004 model upper cowling was exact fit and a lot better on my back lol