Ocean Pro Aftermarket Head Questions...

[cbeastwood]

There's an aftermarket Ocean Pro head for sale for $50 that I've been looking for. The seller has no information about it at all, other than the head says "AVX and OP-25cc"

Anybody here have any experience with them? How much of an increase can I expect from such a piece, considering I've got vortex flame arrestors and R&D reeds & stuffers? How would this affect my compression? HP? Fuel requirement (I already run 92 octane)?

I couldn't find an ocean pro web site - if anybody knows the url, please let me know.

Thanks,

Craig

[Dan DePardo]

Hi;
It would be helpful to know the year and model of PWC you intend to bolt the head onto...I personally would avoid using an OP cylinder head, especially the detonation-inducing spiral machined combustion chamber type.

Dan

[cbeastwood]

Dan,

Sorry - it's a '95 750 ZXI with Vortex FA's and R&D reeds and stuffers. And a stock prop re-pitched by Impros.

And, yes, the head in question DOES have spiral machining in the domes. I was not aware this head was prone to detonation - care to elaborate?

Thanks,

Craig

[Dan DePardo]

Hi;
First, 25 CC combustion chambers on a ZXi 750 cylinder will push your compression ratio way beyond pump gas levels. Even with a more reasonable 29-30 CC chamber volume, the "swirl" machining in the domes may induce a questionable chamber squish velocity for today's pump fuel. I also think the peaks of the chamber swirl machining invite potential preignition and engine run-on problems.

If you want more low end snap, send your OEM head out and have the chambers reworked by a reputable PWC machine shop.

Dan

[Bill O'Neal]

Ocean Pro ceased making Jetski parts about 3 years ago. I talk to Ken Klus occasionally still. He recently emailed me several pictures of his various hot rods and his Ferrari collection.

Do what Dan suggessted...... or buy a head that is still in production, and is made for todays pump fuels.

[cbeastwood]

Bill,

Thanks for the advice. I'm surprised they're no longer in the business - from the few parts I've seen, the build quality was very very good.

The aftermarket head ended the auction at about $110 - pretty steep considering if they're not running race fuel they're going to fry their engine.

- Craig

[Bill O'Neal]

Not all "deals" on E-Bay are really deals at all. Ignorant people run the prices way up, then install a part that does nothing but damage to their skis.
Ever notice how all jetskis go over 70 mph on E bay ? Either the owners [sellers] are very nieve, or they just flat out lie.

I know a guy who buys parts/tools from catalogs and stores and resells them on E Bay for 30% higher than he ( or any other shopper ) pays.....

I tried buying some parts off of E Bay a few years ago. I got nothing but junk for my money.

[cbeastwood]

Amen to that about E-Bay.

BUT, I have gotten some good deals on intake grates, ride plates, etc. Things that aren't as relevant to the well-being of my engines.

- Craig