Seadoo Explorer motor swap

[SEA-MONSTER]

I have a 1994 seadoo Explorer, had it since 2000, I bought it for $400.00 with a bad motor & poor pump....needed a total rebuild, well in 2007 the motor exploded and I had it rebuilt by a local guy and it is still running strong. (657) with me alone on it according to my gps it goes 38.4, with 3 people on it 33-34 mph. What would I have to do to install a 787 for my 3rd engine? (I watch too many car shows that put high HP motors in old cars!) My 97GTI and 96GTX have the same exact hulls but diffrent motors, I know the 720 will fit into the Explorer but I would love to put in that 110hp engine, that would be awesome! The engine in it now is still good, but im lookiing down the road I drive this thing hard ...sank it a few times (thank god for bilge pumps w/ float switches) this deep v hull is great for the ocean, the boat is a lot of fun! btw my 97GTi still has the original 720 in it.

 

[LouDoo]

Personally, if I were getting that kind of performance with an explorer, I wouldn't change a thing.

You're on untested grounds. You would need to do some fiberglass work to be able to mount the engine, change out the electronics. The easiest would be to swap with a 717.

Lou

 

[Minnetonka4me]

787 would be a heck of a explorer!

First...you will need to mock it up and see if you can even get the whole package in there. Its nice that the seat exposes a bit more of the engine compartment, but Im a little leery it is too small.

The main change is the engine mounts, but if you look up the HX conversions...there is plenty of info on how to do it. Outside of that, the waterbox and exhaust outlet need to be swapped out. The 580-657 parts are too restrictive.

You will need everything off a 787 so hopefully you can find a donor ski.

I did a 720 swap in a 93 and it was painless. Only issue on that one was the airbox. Had to modify the parts a little to make it go together.

 

[Strizzo]

i would think if you can make a 787 fit in an HX, you can squeeze one into an explorer. the engine compartment is pretty big under the seat cover. if i wanted some more power i'd probably go to a 717 with a pipe and f/a or something along those lines. maybe swap the prop to a solas or skat stock replacement for a gti. with the extra wetted surface and weight you're probably wanting more low-mid power than top end anyways.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

I hope you go 787...I am interested in buying it once your board of it. LOL

 

[SEA-MONSTER]

I just bought a 1995 xp (720) for $300.00 it looks like it is growing roots, but it is complete the owner state it ran 2 years ago but the the prop started to hit the pump and he hasnt touched it since. The engine compartment looks like its been wet but I dont care, this would make the perfect donor ski for my Explorer. It is not the 787 progect I spoke of, but I could not pass this up, I will have the engine rebuilt before it touches my Explorer, and Minnetonka you might be recieving a set of carbs to be rebuilt!

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Send them to Dr. Honda, hes closer and im busy...lol and sick of rebuilding them.

That was a good buy....its a super easy swap.

 

[SEA-MONSTER]

I just got a chance to check out the 95 XP this morning, I picked it up 7:30am yesterday dropped it off at home and went to work. The engine looks terrible like salt water was in the bilge and not flushed out, I hooked up a battery to it and nothing, I noticed electrical tape on the neg battery cable replaced with new and bam she was cranking strong with a spark! I also noticed that the thru the hull bearing was spinning...explains the salt water in the ski. I removed the pump and a lot of dirt, it was sitting in mud when I picked it up, and I could not believe how clean the pump is and how smooth the bearings are. I did a compression test on the cylinders and wow 150 & 145, did not expect that, I took of the carburetor covers & bracket, poured a little fuel in each car and hit the starter "BAM" right up and sounds great and did not turn off it was running on its own, with no water hooked to it, I shut it down after a min. Now....the motor looks like a rust bucket with barley any paint, the pto is rusted and looks like doo doo, would you take apart this engine? or leave it and clean it up the best you can? Of course I would still have the carbs rebuilt before it goes into the explorer....opinions please!

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Just depends on if you are willing to do it twice. I'd pull the motor, pull the ex mani and inspect it. If it looks good inside run it, if not disassemble and rebuild.

 

[SEA-MONSTER]

Sounds like a plan... Thank you!

 

[Levelox]

I just bought a 93 explorer and am about to go put it in the water for the first time. I havent even run it yet and already want a 720!!! Anyone got one they want to sell???