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Author Topic:   Mercury 225 Optimax vs. EFI

mustang7nh posted 09-13-2003 06:33 PM ET (US)
I was surfing Mercury's website and noticed that in 225 hp models the EFI and Opti are based on the same 3.0 block and are basically the same weight (if I read everything correct). This being the case, apart from $ and the debate about reliability, what are the real life differences in terms of performance at the helm on light boats like classic Outrages? To be more specific:, top end; torque to keep it on plane at low speeds and low rpm operation.
Also, what are the basic changes made to the 250 vs 225 vs 200 EFI's? Is it just timing and compression or a multitude of part differences?
Thanks
lhg posted 09-15-2003 01:47 PM ET (US)
The 225 Optimax is about 25 pounds heavier than the 225 EFI, and according to Mercury's prop charts, the EFI has a little faster top end. But the Optimax will get far better gas mileage. Whether that will be offset by higher Optimax plug and oiling costs, I don't know. I love the idle sound of the EFI's vs the Optimax, and the EFI's are quieter at running speeds, because they don't have the air compressor. The characteristics of Mercury's oil injection system put out a lot of smoke at start-up, however.
Someone at Boston Whaler told me the new 250 HP Optimax XS is a real hot performer, faster than the 250 EFI and with much better fuel economy than the 250 EFI. These are the engines of choice on the new 320 Outrage, evidently.
jimh posted 09-17-2003 07:51 AM ET (US)
[Changed TOPIC; was "outboard design."--jimh]

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Author	Topic: Mercury 225 Optimax vs. EFI
mustang7nh	posted 09-13-2003 06:33 PM ET (US) I was surfing Mercury's website and noticed that in 225 hp models the EFI and Opti are based on the same 3.0 block and are basically the same weight (if I read everything correct). This being the case, apart from $ and the debate about reliability, what are the real life differences in terms of performance at the helm on light boats like classic Outrages? To be more specific:, top end; torque to keep it on plane at low speeds and low rpm operation. Also, what are the basic changes made to the 250 vs 225 vs 200 EFI's? Is it just timing and compression or a multitude of part differences? Thanks
lhg	posted 09-15-2003 01:47 PM ET (US) The 225 Optimax is about 25 pounds heavier than the 225 EFI, and according to Mercury's prop charts, the EFI has a little faster top end. But the Optimax will get far better gas mileage. Whether that will be offset by higher Optimax plug and oiling costs, I don't know. I love the idle sound of the EFI's vs the Optimax, and the EFI's are quieter at running speeds, because they don't have the air compressor. The characteristics of Mercury's oil injection system put out a lot of smoke at start-up, however. Someone at Boston Whaler told me the new 250 HP Optimax XS is a real hot performer, faster than the 250 EFI and with much better fuel economy than the 250 EFI. These are the engines of choice on the new 320 Outrage, evidently.
jimh	posted 09-17-2003 07:51 AM ET (US) [Changed TOPIC; was "outboard design."--jimh]