How to identify a SSM ? Type 1,2,3 or 4??

**MercTwisterT-2** · 06-28-2022, 03:09 PM

How do I identify a SSM (Super Speedmaster)? How can you tell if it is a TYPE 1, TYPE 2, TYPE 3 or TYPE 4 ?.... how many different “TYPES” of SSM’s are there?

**Printpresswrench** · 06-28-2022, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by MercTwisterT-2

How do I identify a SSM (Super Speedmaster)? How can you tell if it is a TYPE 1, TYPE 2, TYPE 3 or TYPE 4 ?.... how many different “TYPES” of SSM’s are there?

Also if I can jump in, did they make one of these that would fit a 61-63 merc 500 short mid? Thanks.

**slowJEEP** · 06-30-2022, 08:47 AM

There's a good thread on here somewhere talking about the history of the SSM's. I believe they're referred to as 'number' not 'type'. I think the #6 and #4 are still used in F1 racing.

**David - WI** · 06-30-2022, 09:46 AM

Aren't there outboard speedmasters with roman numerals (III, IV. VI, etc) and sterndrive sppedmasters with numbers (#3, #4, #6, etc)... and then the older MC1 or something??

https://www.screamandfly.com/showthr...t=speedmasters

**Tom Smyth** · 06-30-2022, 02:50 PM

The original single pinion speed master was used on the early small displacement inline motors. These have a drive pin , not a splined shaft. The jump up to the twin pinion super speed master changed to the splined propshaft. The MC1 units were also twin pinion with an offset keg rear edge compared to the other twin pinion units. Also the MC1’s were standard on the early red and blue stripe twister motors and had a driveshaft that was one in shorter, requiring a different thickness adapter between the lower and the mid section. Gear ratios, no idea how to tell them apart short of counting rotations of each shaft. The T2X used a super speed master but a unique length driveshaft due to the 12 inch midsection. My 2 cents.

**Jim Speros** · 06-30-2022, 03:31 PM

I can't comment on outboard SSM. On Stern drives I know of Number 1 was not a ssm its was the predecessor to Alpha drive. Number 2 ssm had a TR upper. TR was referred to as a Number 2 drive. TRS was a sport version of number 2 it came out early 70's , A Number three which did use roman numerals. Very popular in 70's and 80's.It was the first durable high performance drive. Seen on many Racing offshore boats. IV was the first surface drive unit. Came out mid 80's when tunnel boats got popular first paired with small blocks. V looked very similar to IV but tougher for Big Blocks. Kiekaffaer drive came out about '85 and purchased soon after and became a 6 drive. late 90's they came out with dry sump version. Believe Wiesmann played a role in its development.

**MercTwisterT-2** · 07-02-2022, 07:02 AM

Thank you, Tom.

**WaterZebra** · 07-02-2022, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by slowJEEP

There's a good thread on here somewhere talking about the history of the SSM's. I believe they're referred to as 'number' not 'type'. I think the #6 and #4 are still used in F1 racing.

The number 4 & 6 have been rendered obsolete with the APR and APX Mercury racing 4 strokes. Mercury ceased production and parts for any of them in 2019. Only way you can get parts (if at all) is to buy an APR or APX. The SSM case casting is 200% more than an ENTIRE gearcase assembly in the 90's. The "dream" for everyone on this website would have been some kind of APX with a Sportmaster gearcase (my opinion). The absolutely DUMBEST thing Mercury Racing ever did with the #4 and #6 cases was to change from "studs up" (gearcase) to "studs down" (midsection). Forced us "studs up" owners to fiddle with bolts on "studs down" cases. STUPID!!!

The #4 and #6 cases are easy to identify from the earlier types because they have a "crescent leading edge or front" on the case. The #4 differs from the #6 in that it is slightly wider and longer in appearance. Best way to tell at a glance without getting tangled up in "pinion, bearings, etc" discussions.