reed question

[Bones]

I have a 95 3 litre merc 225 efi, just bought a set of rubber coated
reed cages for it. I'd like some suggestions on what kind of reeds to put on them. single stage plastic, 2 stage plastic, pros and cons for both such as which gives the best topend, holeshot, idle ect. I would like to cut my own if I can find the right material as I have access to 3 cnc machines. Don't know if it matters or not but I'm changing to the new style merc tuner at the same time. Any and all input is welcome. thanks Tim

[Raceman]

This question pops up fairly frequently and the answer is always the same. Plastic reeds are more of a safety net against reed breakage on engines that turn hard. They're not top end enhancers whether stock, single or dual stage. Some people report varying degrees of idle quality and low end snap, but the truth be known it may have as much to do with the condition of what's taken out than what's put in.

I guess I'm the board fanatic for tuners not helping, but I've never seen a case of a tuner putting top end on a Merc in almost 30 years of trying everybody's new gimmick, and until I do I'll keep saying they're a waste of time and money to change.

[half fast]

Wayne Taylor at Mad efi.com or Tony Brucato can help you.They both can get big gains on 3.0 liter motors.If that thing has a two butterfly air intake a four hole intake will help.You gonna need to compensate for all that extra air. Bass and Walley magazine did a good article a while back on just this . hf...

[Markus]

We have experimented with home-made reeds. Works just as well as Boyesens and is a lot cheaper and not very time-consuming to make. However, as long as the reed is not too stiff to open, the performance difference between different materials, single vs dual, etc, is not noticable.

Search the S&F archives and you will find more info!

[Bones]

Raceman, just to clear up the tuner change, what I'm doing is putting the correct tuner in this motor (not aftermarket) as this is not the original powerhead. This is a newer powerhead with a old style very restrictive tuner. Markus, as for reed material what did you use?
how thick? and where can I get it? hf, thanks for your reply, I do have the 4 betterfly intake and it does help, however from what I hear from other 3 litre owners is if you have the 4 butterfly intake thats about as good as it gets. What issue of B&W are you talking about I would like to have a copy. thanks Tim

[Dave S]

Raceman is Really TUNNA man;) He has the worlds largest tuner collection.:D The newer 3.0 tuner will not fit your exhaust houseing, they changed it just a little in the front by the driveshaft.:( The plate under the powerhead is also different.

[steve]

Single stage for just about everything. 2 stage= twice as much leakage if they don't seat perfectly. Seem to be easier to tune too. I like carbon fiber best for material. Lighter reeds mean less flutter.

[KMA1/4master]

it seems I remember using a set of dual hinge reeds a decade or so ago on a big looper that i liked ,as far as tuners go all of the testing i have done can tell you no difference below 7800. but i have found difference ,unfortunately it shows more in the seat of the pants than on the watch.