Champion with a Mariner Super Magnum / Promax

[184champ]

1998 200hp Mariner Super magnum info needed, What the differance between this motor and a regular efi. Differance in fuel usage under normal conditions. Are they reliable. The motor is on a Champion 202 boat. Thanks

[tmbullet]

That motor has a lot higher rpm range than that of an efi also I am 90% sure you have to mix the gas and oil in that model. They also have piston problems you should have it taken to high performance outboard place and have the pistons top pinned, not sure what that means but a friend of mine had one and he said without the pistons being top pinned it was a ticking time bomb. Do more research so make sure . Mercury should be able to tell , but just make sure do a lot of research so you dont end up with something you dont like !!!!!!!!!! Good luck..

[184champ]

I really can't find anything bad on these motors.It's a 1998 so if were to have any major defects they should have shown by know I would hope. Just wanted to see if anybody has run one. The only 98-99 Merc motors that I have seen problems written about with are the optimax.

[craigs06]

That's basically a hi-po hot rod motor. Rev limiter is 7500 rpm, I think. Very strong and fast on a light hull. Running in the upper rpm range will require the pistons to be top pinned. Ring life is considerably shorter than a normal motor. I feel sure that the motor will need a rebuild between 100 and 200 hours if ran hard. On the other hand, lower r's (6000 or less) will make it last a lot longer. On heavy hulls, the 2.5 will be weak on holeshot, need cubic inches for the heavier boats. Will also require 93 octane fuel. They were known to be good motors, just be aware it is a near full race factory hot rod.

[tmbullet]

I tell you what dial 859-509-6660 ask for John he works with mercury testing he can tell exactly what you want to know. Tell him Tom from MIchigan told you to call him. He can tell you whats up with that motor I promise.....

[184champ]

Thanks I will call on Monday.

[Hillsreels]

I just sold a 225 promax I ran on an 184.
Chrome cylinders which required 93 oct. or up gas. Carbs.
max rpm was 6500 rpm \hardened cased CLC foot with factory low water pick up
3 gallon oil tank with automatic feed adjusted by rmp.
Premium Plus merc oil recommended by Merc Racing.
Removing baffels and porting exaust would give more power,but hard on your ears.
27 Masco wheel pushed her at 77 MPH gps,,slow hole shot.
boat only rated for 175,,,,so I de- tuned her lol

[pmgoffjr]

Not at all the first choice of power on a 202, a 3.0 motor will run off and hide from a promax. Just not enough guts to hold the weight.

They really are designed for a very lightweight hull (Allison) that can utilize the rpm potential.

[tmbullet]

Those are the words I was trying to convey, thank Mr. Goff!!!!!!!!

[AllyFishing]

I learn something everytime I log into BBC. I thought Promax's were fuel injected. Getting one soon and read all I can about them. Plus, I have a friend with a Champ so I check in here once in awhile too. Great site!

[184champ]

Not really looking for speed just wondering if it was a reliable motor motor recreational fishing.

[jcfd129]

I have a 225 promax (1998) on my champ and it is a great motor! Great sound, and my hole shot is awesome with a 25 temp. Can run well into the mid 70's and probably more. The only down fall is that it likes the fuel. Having a torque master lower unit will help some with the hole shot vs. a sportsmaster lower. They are oil injected but most take it off because of the high rpms of that motor. LIke most have said, if you get your pistons top pinned you will have a bullet proof motor. They do not need special rebuild times like mentioned before. I have over 500 hours on mine and it is a monster still! They are steel sleeved motors just like an efi but they do have a thnner 1.5mm ring which creates less heat for longer life at those high rpms. The 1998 will be a fuel injected motor! Contact Jay Smith on the 2.5 forums on here, he knows everythimg about them and I can honestly say he has been my education on these motors as well as Trashy and Redline! good luck

[184champ]

Thanks for the info. Got the boat yesterday. I don't plan on pushing it into upper RPMs so I should be ok. Love the look of the cowling.

[Lea]

Congratulations!!!!

[tmbullet]

Congrats!!!!!!!! Lets see some pix......

[184champ]

I will get some pics and post tomorrow.

[Darth VMAX]

It will look fast but will embarrass you on that rig (compared to the same rig with a big-block 200). IMO, unless you don't mind not running to your full potential put the motor up for sale and find you a big-block 200.

[hoos202]

Congrats on the purchase! I have a '95 202 with an '02 ProMax 225x. My nephew owned this boat and motor prior to selling it to me. He repowered the boat back in '04 when this motor came available at a nice price. He was able to run the 202 at 78 gps on the Ohio with himself and another full size man in the boat. This was done with a B&B 25p Tempest Plus and a 10" bobs plate. I don't have the stones to drive this boat like my nephew can. The boat also comes out of the hole very nice. I think you will be very pleased with that combo. I agree that a big block would be the preferred power for this boat but I don't think you have anything to worry about.

[184champ]

Camera batterys dead will try to post pics tomorrow. I didn't buy it to race so I think I will be ok. Nothing wrong with looking good while your fishing.

[Hillsreels]

Looking forward to the pictures ..Congrats