97 Gambler 209

[Kboro107]

I have a 97 Gambler 209 w/ an 01 3liter 225efi and I’m getting 72ish with a light load and 5500 rpms WOT spinning a 3blade 25 fury. I’m wanting to lighten the load on the transom with a 2.5 motor and be able to spin a larger prop. My question is what 2.5 motor would be a good starting block to build as well as what mods? Any help is appreciated.

[Merc 2.5]

Is the 3L wore out? I would think u can spin bigger prop with the torque of the 3L. U got pics how it rest n water?

[Kboro107]

The back end sits noticeably lower after the motor was swapped from a stock 2.4 (blown) to the current 3liter. Compression tests consistently come back at 110-115 across the board. I did hit 74 with a 27p trophy but only turned 4500rpms. The motor is also slow to spool up when taking off. I will post pics of it in the water as soon as I can get her in the water. I was thinking a modestly built 2.5 would provide faster response when taking off, more RPM’s, and less weight.