Replacing grate

[Cabadiesel]

Was viewing the sticky on replacement parts and see where there are two options for grate replacement. I have a 2000 challenger 2000 with 240 EFI and want to replace grate. I have never run the boat so I don't know what the hydro surge mentioned is and I would like to know what is the difference between 11 grate and fixed 6 grate. Which one is more bang for buck?

Copied from sticky
"First, replacement intake grates to get rid of the Hydrosurge.
These are Mercury part numbers, so your local Merc dealer should be able to order them for you.
The part numbers are 852962T for a six tine fixed aluminum grate, and 854810T for an eleven tine stainless steel rock grate (should not be used in weedy areas)."

 

[biffdotorg]

That's the real question is which is the most bang for the buck. See how much you can buy one for and go with the less expensive. It has been proven that the flow is almost identical if left in the stock form. Some have purchased the stainless version and removed tines for better flow.

The 6-tine has thicker tines, and the stainless has more tines, but they are much thinner. So either should not hinder performance. So on that note, I bought the 6-tine new on Ebay. I had a search running a couple months with that part number, and they popped up well under $100 shipped. In fact, the seller had roughly a half dozen and most of them were sold to members here on a tip.

Good luck, either is fine. If you are baoting in an area prone to small rocks, then there is a true purpose for the 11-tine rock grate.