please help with power info

[almightygimp1]

Got an 84 viper, have the funds to have it restored and have the funds for a motor, preferably a newer used motor, but can go new. In everyones experience, what should i be looking for, im leaning towards a 200 hp merc, would like to get a 2.5 because of parts availability, looked at some 2.4s that are pretty nice also. My whole deal is im shopping around, and i see optimaxs, promaxs, and such. I dont know what i should get because i believe some of these motors are 3 litres and will be too heavy. Can anyone tell me what i need to be shopping for? im even open to a yamaha, or a rude, i just need to know what i should be looking for weight wise because im new to the performance boat scene, and i dont know alot about these newer outboards. I dont wanna run up on deal and buy a motor that my boat wont hold! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Andyhydro]

Im sure Chet will chime in here. Hes built himself a sweet 1977 viper....very extreme but even if your not looking for the wind to rip out your hair he knows the Viper model inside out! Just cleaned up at a race in Omaha.

[Rut311969]

225 promax in homestead Fl sportmaster gearcase alien cowl 6500$ on craigs they have some sweet outboards at oneoutboard.com at some reasonable prices .

[RussF]

a Pro Max 225 is a 2.5 and weights about 375 lbs , a 200 merc will weigh about 420 lbs

[almightygimp1]

225 promax in homestead Fl sportmaster gearcase alien cowl 6500$ on craigs

im liking that, gonna check into it.

[77viper]

I'm all about the promax. Has anyone dealt with oneoutboards? The only reason I ask is there are a couple not so up to par shops and for some reason that name rings a bell, but I'm only guessing right now.

I will worn you if you have not had a lot of seat time in a viper a promax will be dangerous and can be deadly. It will be capable of speeds right around the 100mph range. Even a 200 can hurt you bad. You will need GOOD steering, solid motor mounts, hot foot and a good life jacket with leg straps. I suggest doing all of this no mater what motor you use.

I prefer mercury's myself as I know more about modding them, but a good Yamaha or omc will do. I love my 2.4 200, it's lighter than a 2.5 and has taken a lot of nitrous and lived. I do have a steel bore 2.5 that I was going to try but I just haven't been able to kill this one.

My batt is dying I will post more on this tomorrow.

[Andyhydro]

Gonna check out that one outboards site! Chet, this is another opinion request- Hydraulic or double cable steering?

[Hippie459MN]

Gonna check out that one outboards site! Chet, this is another opinion request- Hydraulic or double cable steering?

I know what his answer will be and mine is the same. Hydraulic.

When adjusted and set up correctly, the dual cable is a great set up and thats what I will be running for a while but with hydraulic, there is nothing like watching a person take one hand of the wheel at 80+ mph and it drive like a champ. The vulture will be getting upgraded once everything else is done so it might be a year or 2 but hydraulic will find its way to my boat for sure.

Just my .02 cents.

[Andyhydro]

Good to know. Appreciate the info!

[almightygimp1]

I'm all about the promax. Has anyone dealt with oneoutboards? The only reason I ask is there are a couple not so up to par shops and for some reason that name rings a bell, but I'm only guessing right now.

I will worn you if you have not had a lot of seat time in a viper a promax will be dangerous and can be deadly. It will be capable of speeds right around the 100mph range. Even a 200 can hurt you bad. You will need GOOD steering, solid motor mounts, hot foot and a good life jacket with leg straps. I suggest doing all of this no mater what motor you use.

I prefer mercury's myself as I know more about modding them, but a good Yamaha or omc will do. I love my 2.4 200, it's lighter than a 2.5 and has taken a lot of nitrous and lived. I do have a steel bore 2.5 that I was going to try but I just haven't been able to kill this one.

My batt is dying I will post more on this tomorrow.

thanks for the input and the warnings, i know im gonna have to ease into this boat, and it will take some seat time to get used to it, had thought about going with a 150 then moving up, but i dont see the point in going through all the setup twice, seems like wasted money and i know ill want more than a 150 can offer eventually. Do you think a healthy 150 would get 85?