3 liter vs 2.5

[DWD]

I have a 1998 Mercury 3 liter 225. I also have a 1996 Pro Max 2.5 225. Anyone have a opinion of which one is the best or gives the trouble. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, David

[johnboy 88 vegas]

Heavy boat = 3 liter Light boat = 2.5 wat you puttin it on?

[DWD]

It is going on a 96 bullet 20'. I have blown a couple of 2.5's because I run them hard and fast. Just wondering if a 3L would hold up better.

[johnboy 88 vegas]

Thats a loaded question since they're all prone to failure at some point in time but theres always a reason for it. Unless your turnin over 7 grand you almost never have a parts failure compared to the numerous times motors tear b/c of clogged carbs or injectors or just plain old gas. Either of these motors will last you a long time from a fresh rebuild done right and they both would be a good choice for your boat but the 3 liter is probably a bit more thirsty for fuel.

[DWD]

Thanks Johnboy

[Jay Smith]

I wouldn't trade 1 WELL built 2.5 for a tractor trailor load of 3 liters , but thats just my opinion.....

My .02
Jay

[DWD]

Thanks Jay you helped me make my decision... sounds like you don't care much for the 3 liter..lol

[tlwjkw]

It is going on a 96 bullet 20'. I have blown a couple of 2.5's because I run them hard and fast. Just wondering if a 3L would hold up better.

Think tha reason they are goin' to tha 3.0 on those Bullets is cause "BassPro store" envy all tha stuff they are carrin' in 'em :eek:

[HighVelocity]

The real question you need to ask is, do I want over all speed or more reliability?? Forget the "Well Built" example for a second and stick with stock comparisons. A 3.0L is going to push that boat everyday for next ten years without missing a beat...it's overkill engineering for that small a boat. But if you want a faster boat...shedding 80 plus pounds with a 2.5 and spinning more R's is the way to go, but it's less displacement and working harder, that's a fact.

my .02

[DWD]

I think I will go for reliability. That was what I was looking for. Thanks

[johnboy 88 vegas]

I will not disagree with Jay on the fact that a well built 2.5 will make you happy but the reliability issue between that and a 3 liter is just luck of the draw. Yes a 3 liter dont work as hard to carry a big load but as long as the operator properly maintains either one of them then you may as well play rock..paper..sciscors to guess which one will last longer. But like I said the 3 liter will probably be a bit more thirty for fuel so your best choice is probably the promax....its your money so spend it how you please.

[mrcrsr]

not to mention the 3 litre has a 60a alternator, unlike the 2.5 w/ a 40a stator, on a fish boat charging is important, and the reliability, you are not turning 7k plus rpm w/ the 3 litre to do the same job. the 3 litre in stock trim will burn some fuel though.

[DWD]

Thanks for all the info now guess I will play rocks paper, sissors

[Chaz]

The factory got behind the 2.5 effort with their wallet , and built a nice piece . People like Diamond flogged them on their dyno and found a little more . That deal much like a small block Chevy has reached it's peak .
The 3.0 / 3.2 L on the other hand is still somewhat new by camparison . And while the factory puts signage on some models that they came from the racing dept , they really are in essense pretty tame consumer motors . I think within the next few years you will see parts introduced that will bring these sleeping giants to power levels previously unheard of .... ;)

[HighVelocity]

I agree the 3.0L are more thursty than the 2.5 on the average, but I think DWD just wants to hit the key a go and not have to worry about reliability...or even having to do a "Refresh" every 3-500 hours because of the high R's, which lets face it flushes any fuel savings, because a "Refresh" on a Pro-max costs a few bucks$$...barring any holes in the block made from connecting rods...lol sorry Dave (PowerPlay) just kidding...

[DWD]

Yep, I have seen to many holes in the block. lol

[TEXAS20225]

i have had a 225 promax since new on my 20 Bullet i only recently got rid of itin lieu of a 260 it cost no more to rebuild it then it does a 150 same parts i rebuilt it twice .im rebuilding a 3.0 now parts are much higher for it and im a pro marine dealer so i get dealer pricing on all my rebuilds over 50 in the last two years alone i think i would pick the promax they will outrun a 3.0 225 by a good bit they are lighter and a lot better looking just my .02 the pmax is also a gas hog when yer in it:eek::eek::eek::eek:

[DWD]

Good info, I was wondering if the 2.5 parts were cheaper. You just don't think about the cost of fuel when you are putting your foot in it.

[Vinnie]

DWD, If you check with Bullet, I have no doubt they will say go with the 2.5. The 3 liter will run good, the 2.5 great. The 2.5 is easier to set up and there are "gobs" of prop choices out there for you. Regardless of what you read or think regarding which one is cheaper, easier, whatever,,,, the 2.5 will be a much better motor for a 20' Bullet..

:cheers: