96 GSX vs 97 GSX

[Ryan331]

Good evening all - I tried multiple searches with multiple key words, so I apologize in advance - I'm not quite looking for technical advice just curious..

I have a 96 and 97 GSX.. Took them out yesterday and they both felt great for the most part (aside from the 97 intermittently holding ~5k RPM until hitting a wake or pumping the throttle, which I figure I'll check the raves before my next trip out) Anyhow.. A little history on the skis..

Both have black fuel lines, have not rebuilt carbs

1996: currently 60 hours, 150/152 compression, new wear ring, all maintenance done, no visible damage to impeller

1997: currently 240 hours, 151/151 compression, new wear ring, all maintenance done, no visible damage to impeller

Running 91 octane in both, both are supposedly 100% stock

The 96 has a purple exhaust pipe, the 97 has a white one..

Reason I ask is, we did multiple as close to 0 (idle speed) - top MPH runs.. 6 out of 6 times it went like this..

96 launched hard out of the hole, no hesitation, bogging, etc.. pulled smooth and hit top speed fairly quickly

97 felt like it launched hard, the 96 pulled on it every time off the launch - seemed like when both skis were close to, or at top speed, the 97 would pass the 96, and pretty hard at that, not just a slow pull, it'd walk it.. didn't matter who was riding, and my buddy is a good deal heavier than I am

the 96 has hit 57 MPH via garmin GPS, I haven't used GPS on the 97 as of yet

My question is.. Were there any significant differences between 96 and 97 mechanically? (again I'm sorry if this is well known, I searched and for some reason I couldn't find it, if this has been answered please send me the link, and I apologize in advance for being a newb..)

 

[LouDoo]

Basically they're the same. The 97 would be the second generation 787 the main difference is the color of the exhaust pipe, and the 97 has a fill plug for the counterbalance oil. The electrical connections for the MPEM are different, the 97 has big square multi connections the 96 has separate connections, I prefer the older style MPEM. The gauge connections are similar with the 97 having the multi connections.

Electrically and mechanically both ski's are the same. What are the RMP's at top speed on both?

Lou

 

[bhatch21]

Ryan, I've never seen a 97 GSX with mirrors on it like yours. Top speed differences could be related to the trim position. Were they both trimmed the same?

 

[DA080682]

Check on this TSB as it might address your 5000rpm hang on the 97: View attachment SeaDoo 1997 RAVE Hesitation TSB.pdf

I believe the mirrors were an option as my 97GSX factory cover has pockets for them, but no mirrors on mine. What condition is the impeller and wear ring in on both? Are the carbs tuned the same?

 

[Getemkustom]

Did you happen to check to see if they both have the same intake grates? I to have a 96 & 97 gsx's. Alot depends on the trim, and rider.

 

[manolocross]

Check to see if they have the same impeller part numbers or if the faster ones impeller is aftermarket...

 

[Ryan331]

Did you happen to check to see if they both have the same intake grates? I to have a 96 & 97 gsx's. Alot depends on the trim, and rider.

That's a good call, I need to check the intake grates, that is the one thing I didn't take the time to compare.. The impellers look the same but I haven't checked part numbers - I will do that, the rider variable should have been taken out as we ran multiple times, my buddy is heavier than me and every time we ran - the 97 pulled, regardless of rider

RPM on each runs between 6700 and 6800

Thanks for the input everyone, and DA080682 - Thanks for the link to the TSB, I'm positive that's what my problem is!

 

[Ryan331]

Ryan, I've never seen a 97 GSX with mirrors on it like yours. Top speed differences could be related to the trim position. Were they both trimmed the same?

We ran both with the trim in the center just to keep things even - I like the mirrors, the original owner claimed it was a factory option but I don't see many 97s with them out at the lake

 

[n3k0de]

Check on this TSB as it might address your 5000rpm hang on the 97: View attachment 19091

I upgraded both the hosuing and to slots and it ended my 5200rpm crap...