CLE / Sportmaster / Gear set strength

[DangerNewb]

My CLE gear set destroyed itself and I'm looking at buying a complete replacement and selling my case.

My motor is a 1996 Mariner Super Mag 225. I've looked at parts lists and it seems the gear set is the same in my CLE and a 1998 Sportmaster. CLE's seem to cost twice what a Sporty does on the used market. What's the advantage? I understand the factory built in torque tab on the skeg where CLE's seem to all have been added / modified for this. Some folks claim the CLE is a bit faster. I'm most concerned about longevity. Any advice appreciated.

[patchesII]

Internals are the same. Sportmasters are worth nearly double what a CLE is and probably faster too on more hulls. Correct assembly is paramount!!!! The best gear set won't last if not set up correctly. Find a gear case guy that uses all the correct tools and uses them. If somebody tells you they don't need the tools to set it up, run! Change fluid often and start in gear when possible. I've had good luck with Mercury High Performance fluid

[Dave Strong]

Torquemaster case also has same internals.

Dave