1997 GP 1200 Modification questions

[gbshabo]

Hi
Newbie here so lots of questions. I'm trying to understand whether the "R" at the end of gp1200R means power valve. I just bought a 1997 gp 1200 with a blown engine. My jet skis guy is putting in a new engine. I am assuming the blown engine is a non-power valve engine.
First question: When replacing a non-powervalve engine is it a must to replace with another non-powervalve or are they interchangeable. From what I am reading I am guessing they are not compatible.

I also want to have my mechanics do some modifications that will get the best bang for the buck as far as top speed goes. Everything I am reading is for modifications for the GP1200R. what are the best low cost modifications for a 1997 gp 1200 non powervalve to get the most speed out of it. What is a reasonable speed to expect for the stock vs. a modified. Thanks in advance for helping me understand all this!!

[butterbean_29512]

A couple of reports of mid to high 60's. PM 97GPSLEEPER for advice. He is the expert on those.

[stephenspann27]

Hi
Newbie here so lots of questions. I'm trying to understand whether the "R" at the end of gp1200R means power valve. I just bought a 1997 gp 1200 with a blown engine. My jet skis guy is putting in a new engine. I am assuming the blown engine is a non-power valve engine.
First question: When replacing a non-powervalve engine is it a must to replace with another non-powervalve or are they interchangeable. From what I am reading I am guessing they are not compatible.

I also want to have my mechanics do some modifications that will get the best bang for the buck as far as top speed goes. Everything I am reading is for modifications for the GP1200R. what are the best low cost modifications for a 1997 gp 1200 non powervalve to get the most speed out of it. What is a reasonable speed to expect for the stock vs. a modified. Thanks in advance for helping me understand all this!!

The GP1200R and the GP1200 are two diferent hulls and two different skis.

However, when the GP1200R became the GP1300R and EFI was added, there were a couple of years when the motor (66v) had no power valves.

The GP1200 came with a 65u non PV motor. This motor doesn't have power valves, or a cat converter, or the huge exhaust, and it made 135hp. Very reliable motor, the hull is decent.

The GP1200R came with a 66v power valve motor, and carbs. cat converter, big expansion chamberexhaust. It made 155hp. Not a very reliable motor. The GP1200R and GP1300R hulls are amazing though.