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GeneS
05-24-2000, 12:49 PM
Does anyone know if a DP-X lower unit will bolt up to a 270 drive. I have heard that it will but have never tried it.



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Gene Schmidt
'74 X-18 "Chi Chi"

Forrest
05-24-2000, 03:03 PM
No, not the DP-X. That's Volvo's big-block only, big-bucks, high-performance outdrive. Volvo does make a duo-prop lower unit for the older models that should fit 270/280/290 models.

[This message has been edited by Forrest (edited 05-24-2000).]

GeneS
05-24-2000, 03:12 PM
That is exactly the kind of unambiguous response that I was hoping to get. Saved me $1400.

Thanx,


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Gene Schmidt
'74 X-18 "Chi Chi"

Emmo
05-24-2000, 10:27 PM
GeneS- What is the status of your Speedmaster?

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Emmo mailto:emmette@emmette.comemmette@emmette.com</A>

GeneS
05-25-2000, 07:57 AM
Thanks for asking Emmo,

It is at Gene Jackson's "Wheel and Rudder Marine" in New Orleans where it has rested for just over ONE YEAR. Gene sez he is waiting for a new prop shaft and some bearings to be made. Folks move slow over in Nawlins ya know.

Meantime, I have bought an old 280T transom shield (for $900!!!) that needs some (lots) of work. I am also replacing my lower unit (the one on the boat ya know). The one I have has a screwy prop shaft that will not accept Volvo props. I have another 270 lower that I will put a nose cone on. Then I can talk to Forrest about the correct prop (or just go back and reread his many replies to that same question)

All of this work will have to wait until next winter. Right now, the stroker is strokin' just fine, Chi Chi has a fresh coat of wax, a full tank of premium and is hangin in the lift at Pensacola Beach. It's Memorial Day Weekend and THE FAIRIES ARE IN TOWN.

YEEE HAAAA


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Gene Schmidt
'74 X-18 "Chi Chi"

GEOO
05-25-2000, 09:25 AM
Gene,
I was told by an Ex-Volvo employee that the DPX could fit on a 280/290 upper. The reason Volvo says not too is the DPX lower unit could put too much strain on the upper gimble housing and cause a failure. GEOO

GeneS
05-25-2000, 10:09 AM
I think it was Gene Jackson (I could be wrong) that said any duoprop lower including the DP-X would fit on a 270/280/290 upper. Said a 280/290 lower would fit on a 270 upper. Mix and match however you want. I found a DP-X lower for $1400 and thought maybe..... But if Forest says no, then that's enough for me.



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Gene Schmidt
'74 X-18 "Chi Chi"

AVickers
05-25-2000, 05:43 PM
Check the ratios...

The DuoProp unit's tallest ratio 1.78:1. They go down (numerically) from there -- 1.95:1, then 2.15:1 and maybe higher, if I remember correctly. There's lots of V-6 Cobalts (and such) out there w/ DP units on them and the low ratio allows a good hole shot (for recreational skiing), but only about a 40MPH top end... (All you'd ever need, right?)

The ratio on a typical 280 behind a V-8 is 1.68:1. So the best bet for a fast drive would be the 1.78:1 unit. In any case, a DuoProp will not have the same top end as a single prop unit -- simply a matter of more drag. It will, however, handle better, accelerate better and not have that nasty torque steer that we've all come to know and love so well...

To my knowledge, the DPX unit was made after the amalgamation w/ OMC and it might not fit a 280 upper. I just don't know.

Generally though, from what I can tell, if the unit is older than 1993, it'll go right on a 280 or 290 upper. Lowest price I've seen for a used one has been about $2,500, but even at that, they are hard to come by...