200 Blackmax, performance tips PLEASE

[durango4you]

Ok Guys. Almost done with the boat now going to try and add some more power to this engine. i have a rebuilt 200 blackmax on my 86 starflite and was woundering what types of mods will make this pony turn into a stalion? Also dont forget to let me know where i can get these mods.

 

[kingsbiship]

The best place to start is cutting the heads for higher compression. If you have an ign.
module, remove it and set timing to 23-24* These two mods will promote higher RPM.

 

[durango4you]

cutting the heads??? please post some pics or some more info. Im scared that i am going to mess something up. so i need to be walked threw the engine stuff. Outboards are complete 180 from everything i know about motors

 

[kingsbiship]

I can't tell you how much to shave the heads... cause I don't know what you have! I can
tell you that you want to achieve approx. 36 to 32CCs. I opt for the higher number 'cause
if you ever need to shave them again (for any reason) you can without problems with fuel.
Also... who knows what the fuel quality will be like next month! A good machine shop will
be able to shave the heads... whether they measure the CCs or not is questionable.
Do you have the 2 piece or one piece heads? Is your eng. a 2.4 and is it having any problems
running hot? Do you have a temperature and pressure gauge? Maybe I'm getting ahead of
myself... but these are things you'll have to address if you want more performance.
OK... sorry for the novel!

 

[Big Red]

I would bring it to a highly knowledgeable outboard mechanic if you do not know what you are doing. If not you will create a ticking time bomb. And your summer will end short of boat rides. Spending 150.00 dollars trying to gain a few mph will end up costing you 4000.00

 

[JW]

Dollar-wise, you're really better off selling that small block black max 200 to a guy with a light weight performance boat and spending a little more cash for a big 3.0 liter late '90's stock 225. You'll gain reliable horsepower that way, and spend the same cash. Starflights LOVE the bigger engines.

 

[kingsbiship]

If everyone thought the way you two guys thought... we'd still be in caves!

 

[groucho]

Before you start with any engine mods how are you going to know what you even changed has improved ( or not?) the motor?

You need to start first with the basics. A good prop, a set-back, jackplate that's optimum for your particular rig, and the right dual cable steering. ( don't overlook a kill-switch and foot throttle either if your serious about a mod engine)

Now dial in your stock set-up and see what it does and record the WOT RPM readings to estabilsh some baseline for motor.

This is where I would go next as far as trying for more performance.

Low water pick-up/ Nose cone: It will allow you to jack your motor up far higher than with a stock case with a torque tab.

Solid engine mounts: It will make for much easier driveabilty at high speeds

Boyeson glass 2-stage reeds: If your going to run @ higher RPMS consistently you are going to eventually chip a reed. Also these reeds bend easier @ lower and higher range RPMS plus if they break off unlike steel reeds they easily pass through whereas steel will score a cylinder.

Hot Heads: Just a " little shave" will get you lot. But as mentioned this where it can get tricky. Plus now you cross the line into burning a higher octane fuel too. If you haven't taken off too much then premium pump fuel is ok. Otherwise a strict diet of racing fuel with oil mixed @ 32:1 is required ( You still don't have the oil injection on this do you? ) Pull that off too!

Lightweight Flywheel:Once you start spinning @ higher RPMS it will make your motor last by extending the life of crank and upper bearings.

Custom Exhaust: Simply put this means replacing your current tuner with a different one. Bob's Machine, G-Force, or Diamond Marine all offer different options depending on your quest for speed.

Last but not least ( and big dough) Port Work: This is where I'd say..Stop. If you are going to start cutting it up for more performance the new performance motors on the shelf or used motors on the current market are better plus you lose all hope of any reliabilty. But there are plenty of shops that will do it and it will make beast out of it. Or a "Stallion" as in your case.

Nitrous anyone??

 

[Mark]

Unless you are a gearhead with time and money on your hands these mods are not for the faint of heart. The cave dwellers, JW and Big Red, are right. The easiest and cheapest way to get more horsepower is buy a bigger motor.
But as also mentioned, tweaking the setup (prop, setback and engine height) is the cheapest way to gain MPH.

 

[durango4you]

ok so i think im going to get a nose cone because i do have a CMC Hyd JP, i have gone this route because i feel it would be the most cost effective for achieving the higher MPH at WOT. I have the 2.4 BLACK MAX what nose cone should i go for. Also whats involved in installing these things. Also would it be a good idea to get the new reeds?

 

[durango4you]

sorry i know i ask a lot of questions. I just trying to rig this thing the right way to get some good HP for some mad MPH. I love my CHECKMATE and i respect all of yall who are giving me these hints and tips. The best way to learn is to ask questions and listen to the answers

 

[Big Red]

If everyone thought the way you two guys thought... we'd still be in caves!

Well ok then here are my thoughts the jackplate, prop, and setback is your best way to go. But if you wan't more sell your engine and get a bigger one. The more you hop up your engine the less reliable it we be.

Their is no replacement for displacement the bigger you go the less you have to hop it up to be fast and the more reliable it will be

 

[JW]

DON'T do a nose cone, that'll just slow you down. You can't use a nose cone until you've got that starflight running over 80 mph on GPS.

 

[Mark]

Here's the thread where you need to start. http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2158 A bunch of us are running 200's on that hull. I am guessing you only have 5.5" of setback. If you get that motor further back (6 or 8 inches more giving you 11.5" or 13.5") and higher, then add the right prop...you'll gain speed.

 

[groucho]

What this thread illustrates is there's two ways you can change your outboard's performance for ultimate speed. ( and acceleration)

1) Modify and optimize your rig's set-up. You're seeing the post's that show exactly what this is all about. They are all very relevant and show in great detail what each combination will affect as far as total performance. Plus they drive home the point that you have not had to touch your motor to gain speed nor affected it's reliability. ( This assumes that you haven't lost your water pressure somewhere along the way..)

2) Modify and/or enhance your current engine. You can go this route once you've dialed in thing's as mentioned in #1. But I stated before ( and it's been pointed out by others) it depends on how far you want to go. This is your call.

MAIN POINT is this: Combine 1 and 2 and then you have yourself a boat that really set's itself apart from the pack. Mainly because...IT'S FAST! But will it last? Depends on how it's built and who did the work. ( And how much work?) If it just makes a little more HP at higher RPM Merc V6's will run all day long that way.

Nobody enjoys rebuilding a motor every other weekend. Nobody has unlimited funds either.( apologies to Mr Gates ) But done properly you can create a decent project performance boat. If this stuff blew up all the time do you think Jay Smith, Diamond Marine, etc would stay in business?

Like everything else in life moderation is the key.

.....or spend 20 thousand dollars for a new race motor!!