87 merc 200 hotrod

[webair]

I don't know who can help. I've got an 87 black max 200 that runs like you wouldn't believe! My question is this: I would like to build up a replacement powerhead for when (not if) this thing makes holes in the cowling. I am not a kook I just like to run it very hard and it seems to love it too. Its on a 20' concord magnum cuddy hull, it is mounted on a 22" gill plate with the prop shaft in line with the keel. It turns a Michigan Wheel 22" pitch Balistics stainless prop @ 6800 rpm on an old tach. my gps bounces around 75mph. I have no idea whats been done to the engine internally. It makes a very loud scream at WOT and spits a tail 20 or 30 ft high when trimmed for max speed. any suggestions on how to identify what i have would be greatly appreciated Thanks Bob

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 87 merc 200 hotrod

Very impressive. It's hard to say what you have but whatever it is, take care of it. 6800 RPM isn't a lot for either a 2.4 or 2.5 so it won't be that hard on it. Assumimg you have a stock gear ratio you are running around 1% to 2% slip. That's incrediable. Somebody must have put a lot of work in it.