3.0 L Merc ?

[Danco]

Hi Gang,

I've got a Y2K Merc 225 EFI that I'm "improving". I've already got 300PM heads on it. Next is a 300X exhaust tuner. I want to install this myself. I'm fairly good with general stuff but have never removed a powerhead. I have the manual, lift ring and lift. My local mech says it should be fairly easy without the need to remove any electronics. He said just swing the powerhead away and change the tuner. Is there anything I need to know or should be aware of before I get to work? Also any thoughts on solid mounts on this big motor with 8" of set-back. Local guy though the engine was too heavy for solid mounts. I've always had them on my other go-fast rigs which were all 2.5's. The boat is a Triton TR21 Bassrig. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Dan

[SCT]

Danco,

I have a set of solid mounts for sale for a 3.0L Merc if your interested. Never used- metal. Who cut your heads? Are the 2000 3.0L have o-ring type heads? My 96 has them.
SCT
(419) 563-0232

[Greg Moss]

I am not sure but I think you can change the tuner on the 3.0 like on the 2.5 without pulling the powerhead. I need to look at the manual but on the 2.5 all you have to do is take the nuts off the long studs and the three bolts on the back of the exhaust housing loose and then pull the lower unit and the bottom mounts and the exhaust housing will come off. That will save you a ton of work if it will work for the 3.0. Solid mounts are a good idea with any hi-per rig. If you have the money and time youwould be smart to change them while you change the tuner.

[gtsmpuc]

since recently selling my 3.0 I can say this in confidnece; Run, run away, don't look back, that thing is the DEVIL. Good motor though for heavier boats or for a bullet proof set up. I put solid mounts in my 3.0 and loved it. Slightly changed the tone of it and helped in the steering department, my old mounts were worn. I'm pretty sure you have to pull the powerhead to get to the tuner. When I got rid of my motor I was nice and gave the guy dozens of pages of performance mods for the 3.0 and HP readings of what each thing did. Didn't even think aobut making copies and keeping originals. Dewitt at boatworks supposedly can make those things turn 7000 and stay together.

[Danco]

Thanks for the info guys. SCT the heads are stock 300PM with the o-rings. I bought them right from Merc. The 300X tuner is stock too. I don't plan to do anything else to the motor except a new ignition box if I bump the limiter hard. The Triton is a fairly heavy rig at 1600lbs. I've got the heads on now and picked up 200 rpms and an awesome holeshot and midrange. I'm turning a stock 26P Merc Trophy at 5900 rpms at a GPS 75.5 with a full load. I'm sure if I strip her down with little gas I could pick up a few more. I'm hoping the tuner will allow the engine to breath getting me to the limiter at 6100. If so I will start to play with props. I have a 25p Mazco HP4 that John Mazer will rework for me but only to a 26. I may sell it and get a 27 + if the engine will turn it. As GTSMPUC indicates I don't want to get too radical just improve performance and retain reliability. If I can keep the motor under 6500 r's on 92 octane gas it should run for a long time. It is a FIZZIN bot after all. LOL If I can click 80 with a light load I'll be a happy camper. As far as the solid mounts go I gotta agree it will help handling even though the seastar hydraulic steering is awesome. I guess I just got to decide if I want to risk gelcoat cracks due to the added stress and vibration. Thanks again to all. Dan