Mercury XR2 + Black Max Same or Not ?

[ril0]

Are the Mercury Black Max and XR2 engines both the same and would these be a better choice of power than the older Blue Band 'Tower of Power' models.

 

[horsefly38425]

Re: Mercury XR2 + Black Max Same or Not ?

My black max has xr2 on the cover. The V design is better i think.If i can find out a few things about mine i think i'll like it a lot better than my 135 stright6

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Mercury XR2 + Black Max Same or Not ?

a better choice is debatable. the blackmax and the XR2 shared a lot of design similarities.<br /> minor differences in the bolt ons occured over the years.<br />the V configuration had a bigger gearcase and swung a larger prop. most were 2.0-1 ratio like the inline six.<br /> but as the V had a much larger displacement it can swing a bigger wheel even though the HP rating was the same.<br /> in good condition all 3 were decent motors.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Mercury XR2 + Black Max Same or Not ?

i'll take my 2.0L 135hp's over a 1.6L 135 inline any day. my v6's are bigger motors, cubic inch wise, and remember, the 135 inline was crank shaft rated and my 135 v6 is prop shaft rated, so its not even a accurate match, in my opinion at least.<br /><br />but yes, the black max and the xr2 are the same, mostly. the " black max" was just a branding name that merc used on their v6s during the late 80's or early 90's if im right. the xr2 was a "special" version of the black max. am i close?