Looking for recommendations - Powerhead upgrade Hydrostream Viper

[NoRdO]

Hey Folks,

I currently have a Hydrostream Viper with a late 80's 2.4 200. I think I'm looking to upgrade to a 2.5 carb model. I'm not opposed to having to rebuild a powerhead & modify ports, head shave, etc. I have plenty of experience working with a die grinder, etc.

I figure if I can find a cheap 2.5 motor, I can do a full rebuild and get piece of mind. Any notable Differences between 150, 175, 200?? I know the porting is different in each... Which should I look for? Any specific model 2.5 that is best suited for what I'm trying to do? The 2.4 just isn't doing it for me any more....

Looking to spend less than $3k total...

If anyone can point me to build threads that works too, I'm sure this question has been asked many times before... Thanks...

[rkmirage]

Find a good 200 EFI, 98-99, you can easily do that on the 3k budget.

[NoRdO]

Any opinions on the following: I would probably just use the powerhead with my 20" lower/mid. Not opposed to rebuilding if I get it at the right price....

From a Craigslist add....

BEST OFFER!!! 1999 Mercury EFI 200 HP XL

I'm selling my used 1999 Mercury EFI 200hp XL outboard. The motor has around 380 hours on it and has been had great power. It pushed my 23' Maycraft Pilot house at 35mph at WOT. The motor is clean under the hood and throughout. The bad news is there was an issue with fuel backing up into the oil tank and there is a knock sound now, checked out at Shorts Marine. Even compression across all cylinders and I can show you the report. I have chosen to re-power my boat instead.

This is your chance to get a great deal. I'm selling the motor/controls/oil tank/stainless steel prop AND AN EXTRA LOWER UNIT included at list price. The whole package can be yours and with some minor maintenance you can have a like new engine and controls! This unit was stored inside with the exception of the this year and. it. shows. (see pictures) The parts alone are worth the list price. The motor will be taken off my boat and put on a pallet this week in OC.

Price is $1,500.00 OBO

[roadkill636]

Any kind of "knock" inside a outboard means expensive!

[W2F a V-King]

Any kind of "knock" inside a outboard means expensive!

+1 ^^

Although on a rare occasion, a broken/chipped LU gear/tooth will have you thinking the power head is making the noise. That sound can transmit up the drive shaft.

And yea, a set of lower unit gears ain't cheap...but cheaper than a power head rebuild.