200XS - performance gain? And little scream?

[DangerNewb]

Had another thread going trying to learn more about the various mercury engine models. Ended up committing to a low hour 2002 200 xs to mount on a Seebold Ski Eagle just acquired yesterday. Hoping the 200xs runs the hull 85 or close. Any relatively easy performance gains? I understand it will be a quiet motor. What would it take to get some scream with my fly? Thanks for any advice.

[rock]

Noise is mostly all in the midsection. Mine sounded as good as the true hotrods I have owned when on an offshore mid. Basic exhaust housing modifications like removing the liner and drilling will get you the sound. Once you get the propping figured out I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Rock

[DangerNewb]

I have a 28ET. Going to try it and see how it does. Might be a little too much pitch. We'll see. It's the only prop I have so I'll start there.

Oil Injection? Not sure whether I should ditch the oil injection or keep it. I'll need to get a tank and hose etc. if I keep it. Everything I've read about disconnecting oil injection was on older motors. What are folks doing with XS's? Found a couple of oil tank set ups in the classifieds.

Re: screaming... From what I've read, removing the liner/can requires removing the power head. Not real keen on that. I haven't been able to decipher the drilling thing. Still require removing the power head? Long drill bit to reach down into the mid? I'll run it "as is" before I venture into drilling holes in a nice stock motor. But an old hot rod needs to make some noise somewhere along the way.

Also think I need to get an adapter to plug the current harness into a smartcraft set up. Gentlemen selling the engine says it will run all my old school gauges so I don't have to get the smartcraft gauge at this point.

[rock]

Leave oil injection alone. It will be fine. I turned a modified 30" et on the limiter on my Allison bass boat. Drilling does involve powerhead removal.

Rock

[hsbob]

you cannot remove the oil injection period. the design of the motor will limit lubration to item like the rod ends. the end have not lub hole like the old 2 cycle motors

i've had the 200xs since 2004 and have seen 80 on a voyager. S&F tested a 2.5xs [225 hp] on a boat simular to your and saw 105 with 4 persons on. i guess you may see 90. a 200xs on a allisn gs saw 85.

[DangerNewb]

Thanks guys. I'll go ahead and get my hands on an oil tank and lines. hsbob, are you saying Merc had a 2.5 liter 225XS? I've only seen the 200xs in 2.5 liter, then 3 liter 250xs and 300xs. Or are you saying the 2.5 XS was really making about 225hp?

Either way, it looks like it should push my boat pretty well. Former owner said it weighed a little over 1500 lbs rigged (promax 260 I think) without driver and little fuel when they weighed it at the Jasper drag races so it's not exactly light, but hopefully nice and stable at speed.

Looking forward to getting it all set up and trying it out. Thanks again for the advice.

[davemvegas]

you cannot premix oil and gas to run a optimax motor.

[flabum1017]

considering the age of the motor, I'd replace the oil lines for safety sake (you'll have to prime it afterwards)........ also, do some research to see if the compressor has been updated.

[Greg G]

..............are you saying Merc had a 2.5 liter 225XS? I've only seen the 200xs in 2.5 liter, then 3 liter 250xs and 300xs.

For one year only, I believe 2005, Mercury made was called a 2.5XS. It is a stronger 2.5 powerhead mounted on a 3L lower. Power has been talked about in the 225-235 range.

[DangerNewb]

For one year only, I believe 2005, Mercury made was called a 2.5XS. It is a stronger 2.5 powerhead mounted on a 3L lower. Power has been talked about in the 225-235 range.

Ah, another variation on the theme. Thanks for the other input guys. The compressor is original. Only has 83 hours on it so hoping it's good for while. I understand Merc came out with an updated compressor. Any idea if you can update the shaft/bearings without going to the completely new compressor?

[hsbob]

dino done by bass and walleye mag on the 2.5xs was 245.