225, 260, 280

[JOEALLY]

I'm almost positive that I'm going to re-power this 02 that Im working on. The lil 200 is for sale.

I'm a fisherman 95% of the time, with a little sand bar playing in the heat of summer.

I've owned a couple of 225s, never a 260 or 280.

So, what do you guys recommend for someone that fishes a lot? I would assume the 225 pro max is better idling, easier on fuel and less maintenance generally speaking? (always exceptions)

 

[Darth VMAX]

225x SS

 

[ROBERT CROSS]

No experience with the 60 or 80, but love our 225xPM!!!

Bob
:very happy

 

[xb03]

Since you fish 95% of the time, I would stick with the 40amp charging system, and mpg of a 225 or 200xs.

 

[JOEALLY]

I really liked the 225X and the (2) 200xs motor that I've owned.

 

[Luketrician]

I liked my 225X..but I love my 260, do not regret making the switch..

 

[Bobalouie]

Stock 280 would be my choice, if fuel usage isnt an issue. That way you get the beefier charging system over the 260, although the 16amp charging system has always been fine for me.

 

[2003225X]

225X motors are very hard to beat... and a 225X SS is the real ticket.

On most boats that are properly set up a 225X is only going to give up 5 or 6 mph to a 280. Nic motors come with more fuel usage, more oil usage, and get out the big checkbook when it comes time to rebuild it.

Both motors serve a purpose and both motors run fantastic. It really comes down to what you truely want and how much money you are willing to spend to get it.

 

[Jimxb02]

Stay with the Promax 225 !!!!

If your fishing and summer with family, the promax is all you need. Well set up and a good prop they run very strong on the 02 with lower maintenance cost and good gas mileage.

If you have to rebuild --- the promax is less trouble and money. If you put the hours on a 260/280 you will have to renew the nic on the cylinders.

Anyway, just some thoughts based on my experience.

Jim

 

[white03]

I went 225pm to 280, and never looked back. yes it uses more fuel, yes it has to rebuilt, ... you pay to play.. with a 280 you are the baddest on the water, no questions asked.

 

[brund]

My 280 idles better than my old 225 pm. And has a better charging system.better power and torque across the board. I have not had it long but i love it so far.

 

[allisonriverrat]

that little old 200 could be alot more than you would exspect with right mods....

 

[Darth VMAX]

I don't think ANYBODY questions the fact that a 280 is hotter than a 225x/PM. But the specifics are 95% of the time he FISHES. 5% Beach racing.

I think with that specific, there is no question the 225x is better suited for those needs.

 

[JOEALLY]

I've got a friend with a nice 2001 200xs but he won't sell it!!!!

 

[fnshrmaster]

I had a 225x, it's an awesome engine. I have a 260 now, I will let you know when I get some hours on it. I think the 225x would fit my needs best, but I will say the acceleration and sound of a 260,280 is really cool. They are brutes.
My 225x was decent on fuel,but I came from running a 502 big block in a Checkmate 251, no comparison there. Kurt

 

[xb03]

Here you go Joe!!!!!

http://forum.allisonowners.com/showthread.php?t=14149

 

[JOEALLY]

Here you go Joe!!!!!

http://forum.allisonowners.com/showthread.php?t=14149

Don't think I need a drag :razz

 

[2003225X]

A 225x would give you 6mpg and 100mph on that boat. Are you looking to run any faster than that? If not more motor is pointless.

 

[RedAllison]

Are you tourney fishn? If yes then any tourneys rated 250+ will rule out the 2.5s.

The 225X was, is, forever will be THE sweetest small block Duece n a qwatuh EVER built. The only way MuthaMerc could outdo it now is to release a 225-250 XS based small block & I don't see that limited application motor coming anytime soon.

If you put 50-60hrs a yr or so on your motor then the 280 will be alot better fishn motor than most think! The 60A charging system is great, combined with a Stealth type system it's perfect. The 280 gets nearly equal mileage as a 225 if you keep the throttle under 6500Rs. The 280 can go well over 200hrs as well between freshenings if you keep good oil & fuel in it & keep the needle south of 7k quite often. That's ALOT of "under-utilization" of a 280 but they are much better lake motors than most think. ALOT more fisherman friendly than the 260. I LOVE the 260s but that's only for lake racin, not deekn around fishn n seein the lakes.

And I agree with Tony... Is your 200 a 2.5? If so that would be a cheaper, easier route to go if you want a 240-250hp, bulletproof fishn motah!!!

 

[JOEALLY]

This motor is a 1991 2.5 200 carb. I've done a lot of reading about it, I "think" it was the 1st year of the 2.5. I just haven't owned a carb motor in 10 years and have onwed several efi/dfi motors.

The 225X that I had was a fantastic motor on my 03. The 200xs motors that I had were super on fuel and strong 200s but I felt like it wasn't quite "enough" on the 03.

I think it would be an incredible motor on an 02, high 80s maybe even 90 with a fishing load and fantastic gas mileage. They however are about like unicorns.