CLE question, 2 hole/ 4 hole

[Ajskennels]

ok guys, i got a question about a cle gear case, its my understanding that the 2 hole and 4 hole are different sizes, I've never compared them so i don't know for sure, from what I've read the 2 hole is faster but has less cooling capabilities, and the 4 hole is slower but better cooling, its also my understanding that merc made a 4 hole the same dimensions as the 2 hole, if so what year/years did they make it?, is it a desirable case?, im also assuming its a rare case, I've googled every way i know how and there isn't a lot of info on it, thanks for any help

[vnemous]

Hstream1 has a 2 hole for sale

[Ajskennels]

thanks venomous but just looking for info

[Onetime]

My understanding. I'm sure others who are "experts" will chime in.

2 hole and 4 hole are dimensionally the same case. 4 hole has 4 water intakes on the bottom of the nose and 2 hole has two. 4 hole also has a larger water channel bringing the water up to the water pump area and larger water area on the sides of the water pump with larger side covers on the case. Originally 4 hole was still a 1/2" water tube then went to 3/4" water tube.

More of the differences are internal with prop shaft, bearing carrier and bearings, clutch dog etc.

Personally I don't think there was a lot of speed difference between the two.

My general rule was the 2 hole is great for less horsepower engines with thermostat type cooling systems. The four hole, especially with 3/4" water tube, moves a lot more water through it and needed for higher horsepower engines with free flowing cooling(no thermostats or poppet valve).

[90 5.0]

The two hole has a different nose angle or “rake “ if you will.

Some of the old mop vp tunnel boat racers preferred them due to this.

Thats about all i rember from conversations with them long ago

[johnmiffco]

2 hole is a tad different @ the nose as stated
a 2 hole can flow as much water as a 4 hole
just have to remove the end plug and drill hole larger with a long drill bit to pu and rethread end plug to larger diameter
and just round the machined corners @ pu and @ water pump inlet,,,,always can put a 3/4 housing on any of these gearcases
or convert a 1/2" into 3/4 as merc did in the early yrs
also the 2-4 hole housings can use the larger shafts and carriers

[Krazymaan]

This is the odd ball one your speaking of. Its my 4 hole CLE but it has the thin long window, where the other 4 hole CLE's have the shorter tall window.

[90 5.0]

A lot of people plug and smooth 2 of the 4 holes anyway, going to get around to doing that myself soon

[HStream1]

The 2 hole is faster as already stated due to the Nose configuration vs the 4 hole.

The 2 hole can and does deliver just as much cool capability and the 4 hole.

The 2 hole can easily handle 300+ HP with no problem.

Some even cone the 2 hole on some (not all) Hull configurations to make them even faster.

In some cases a CLE is faster than a Sportmaster on certain Hulls.

I had a Hydrostream Vulture that ran 2 MPH faster with a 2 Hole CLE vs a Sportmaster.

Id like to try the one I have on my Q master except it is forsale and dont want to cut the drive shaft for a 12" mid.

[grimm]

I have a two hole for sale. Im located in the california delta>

[Varmint]

My late style 4 hole is faster than my sporty, due to being coned and having a welded on blowout ring, it is long and sleek, handles nice with ally cut skeg and big rolled in tab. Problem with blowout ring is most all props, need weed cutters and fwd. Edge of blades removed to fit.

[90 5.0]

My late style 4 hole is faster than my sporty, due to being coned and having a welded on blowout ring, it is long and sleek, handles nice with ally cut skeg and big rolled in tab. Problem with blowout ring is most all props, need weed cutters and fwd. Edge of blades removed to fit.

my coned 4 hole is on average 2-3mph faster than my sporty as well

[talonkid]

Typically speaking what types of boats do the CLE cases run better on?

[Krazymaan]

My CLE has taken my 86 Sprint bottom STV to over 128mph with no issues. It'll go faster but I'm not ready to take it to what it can really go.

[Onetime]

Have always felt the CLE was faster then the sportmaster.

Did back to back testing in the 90's when the sportmasters first came out. Had to run the sportmasters a good 3/4" higher to get close to the speed of the CLE. Typically this would cause water pressure issues and didn't handle as well other then straight line.

Most of this testing was on Mod VP and true cat hulls. Never had blow out issues with them either, some sad they would. This was with stock CLE gearcases, no additional nosecones.

Still running CLE gearcases to this day. The only negative is you can't run the double timken bearing driveshaft which is much more stable. Best to have that bearing set up when running in rough water with a lot of on and off the throttle.