Has my midsection had exhaust mods???

[21 daytona]

98 Mariner Super Mag 300, motor is new to me and had lower sent out to bob's for a low water pickup. Got the flashlight out and was looking up inside of there and seems like there may have been some mods.....? There are holes drilled way up at the top facing down, and there are holes drilled on the side I think four up higher and then three drilled through the side down lower, also seems to have some rather ragged edge cutting right before exhaust meets the cavitation plate area, also there is a rectangular hole cut out of the back of the can, and then a plate welded over it cover about three quarters of the opening. Sorry for the crass description but I am new to these and would just like some identification of what I have going on here. Please have a look as the pics Thanks for all your help!!

[21 daytona]

[rock]

I have never seen one chopped up like that one. Definitely not stock and an obvious attempt at exhaust relief.

[Dave Strong]

I have never seen one chopped up like that one. Definitely not stock and an obvious attempt at exhaust relief.

Sort of overkill. Alot of material removed may have weakened things.

Dave

[21 daytona]

I don't know what stock is suppose to look like. How much has been removed, and is this a problem? Is it going to be crazy loud?

[rock]

How much has been removed, and is this a problem? Is it going to be crazy loud?

A lot, possibly, and yes. Like Dave said, it has been weakened considerably. Have seen them break and results are not pretty. I guess it somewhat depends on what it is on, how rough is your use, and what speeds are ya going. Probably hold up well at low speed but a 300 Mag and low speed are hardly ever used in the same sentence. If you don't want the noise it is possible you could have a good welding shop plug some of the windows making it strong again and much quieter. Good luck and be safe.

Rock

[21 daytona]

It's going on a 21 daytona that will be used most the time as a family boat running around at 30-60 mph. I will like to be able to kick the family out once in a while and make some high speed passes as well though. Does any one have pictures of what a stock one looks like? I cant seem to find any. I don't know whats stock and whats been cut? Staring to get a lot of money rapped up in this engine and this has be bummed. I don't mind a little extra crackle, but ear piercing is not going to be cool. Is this safe? What is at risk? What could happen?

[roadkill636]

The noise WILL be very loud. No way will you be able to talk to the person next to you.

[21 daytona]

Will it be louder at idle or at speed or both?

[21 daytona]

I guess at this point I am more concerned with safety, and not dropping the lower unit and prop to the bottom of the river...

[rock]

I have not messed with near as many 3.0 as 2.5. After looking at the pics and reading your description I am not so sure there are any safety issues. When you described the holes I instantly thought about the holes people drill in their mids under the cavitation plate but my guess is the holes you are referring to are the holes in the tuner as the 3.0 tuner has holes in it from what I remember. Also the areas that are broken thru look ragged on the inside but cast on the outside. Need a knowledgeable 3.0 guy to look at this one and I am not him. It is important and you are doing the right thing to protect your passengers, your investment, and yourself.

Rock

[Dave Strong]

Pretty sure the middle or ft holes are stock but like Rock no a 3.0L guy. Will get real loud as soon as it planes.

Dave

[21 daytona]

Thanks Rock. That is exactly my concern. I am a high performance speed junky just like most of us. Honestly I think it would be cool if it made a little more racket. However I am concerned about the safety of my passengers, and causing harm to my equipment. 3.0L guys please have a look and tell me what you think. Thank you all for the responses thus far!!

[21 daytona]

Okay guys let's keep the discussion going. I want to install my lower unit on Monday, and hang the motor on Tuesday. Can I safely run as is, or should I not be installing the motor at this point?

[rock]

Run it and have fun. Just remember what ya got and show throttle some respect. Eventually someone with the proper knowledge will show up and either put your mind at ease or ruin your day.

Rock