225 on a pantera 3

[Bass Cat Boats]

The P3 really has no problems we are aware of. These were well managed rigs that many preferred. The nose had some bow rise, and that was designed into it for rough water use on the large great lakes type stuff.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Mine doesnt have any holeshot to speak of due to its anemic 2.5L EFI. The whaletail I put on (SE300) helped that immensely. Ive wondered the same thing about the rating. Do like that rough water ride though. Ed 2001 P3 2001 Merc EFI 68.7 GPS”Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by an unscrupulous main- stream media which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”

[Bass Cat Boats]

The engine should have a 23 Tempest on that 2.5 engine, and it may run to the rev limiter in some cases. The 2.5 engine was a docile little pup that did not have much low end torque. In testing there were TR series boats that had a hole shot into the 12 to 18 second ranges, and that went true for Champion models that were tested, which was the confirmation test for the big block 3.0 EFI. We bought all of the leftover 2.5 EFI engines in 2004 and put them on Pantera Classic models as a special for 2004 boat shows. They were leftover due tot he fact that few companies could run that engine and satisfy the customer. We really like the 2.5 engine and it just needs some propeller help. BCBLast edited by Bass Cat Boats on May 3rd, 2009, 7:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[angler557]

The 3 liter 200 Opti makes a world of difference on that boat. My 99 PIII would come out of the hole fine and would turn 68+ with full gas, tackle and 2 BIG bubbas. I had a 25″ Trophy on mine.

[droptine150]

i guess i should start looking for a 3.0L 200 then . i have the 2.5 and it is a very weak ride that why i thought that the 3.0L 225 would help. i love boat though only wish that boxes didnt leak in the rain….. i run a 24 tempest and by myself tanks and livewells full its slow but will get on pad ok but you add another man and he has to get on bow to get on pad…. is there anyway to hot rod the 2.5 to get the same results as the 3L?

[Shap from La]

Droptine 150, You have two choices. One is to prop down in pitch to allow for a better hole shot. Two is to look for a 3.0 liter as you say. As far as hot rodding the 2.5. Yes there are many modifications that can be made, however just about all of them alter the reliability outside of putting a set of carbon fiber reeds in it. I did that and it was not worth the money. I didnt see any performance improvement at all. Ditto for an exhaust tuner. About the only way to get real results is to shave your heads down for more compression. This is taking a chance though. One stop at a gas station with not so fresh gas and your powerhead will be shot. BCB is recommending a 23 temptest for your setup, I would try that before I did anything else. Chris Coupel Paulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.

[aceman93]

Plus when hot roddin a 2.5 you are not going to get much more bottom end torque that you are looking for just some way out there high end horsepower is attainable. I blow a 2.5 200 efi and did some major work to turn it into a 260. After 4 grand and lots of time the boat only improved holeshot by maybe a second or 2. Work on your props or get a 3.0 litre. Heck unless you are worried about warr. or ins. just go get a big block 225 if ya want. its your boat.

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