Let's Talk Grates

[Keddano]

OK,The stock grate that comes on the MSX is just Normal Style bar grate.I know Randy does a Mod to the Jet Dynamic. But what about the R&D Scoop Grate. Here's a picture of a 650 one on the bottom of the MSX. If anything it looks like running a longer 750 one might be useful because of the depth it sits down in the well. What have you guys ran and what do you find best for rough and smooth for speed?

[K447]

I am interested in this discussion, as I have an MSX 140 that I think would like a choppy water intake upgrade.

What about Solas grates, and others besides R&D?

[ph2ocraft]

Personal opinion.

The angle of ALL these top loader grates designed for the SL650/750 have the WRONG intake angle to properly stuff the tunnel and they don't deliver the water at the top of the tunnel in the correct area either.

With that being said, the mods Randy performs to the Jet Dynamics better delivers the water to their appropriate locations.
The problem is with the larger size "scoop" you really drag down the top speed BUT in the ugly water it's the way to go.

The R&D 650 grate delivers water in areas better than the stock grate as it doesn't direct the water anywhere (one of the reason it takes so long for the pump to get "stuffed" again).

So does one grate out perform another??
You can do what most of us have already done and purchase each grate and give them a try or you can run with our opinion (knowing it's going to be fairly acurate) and not worry about it.
One thing I can assure you is the 650 does a very good job of keeping the pump full under most normal conditions without too much top speed loss.
Yes the 750 grate will keep the pump loaded better than the 650 but is it worth the loss of top speed??

[TxVirageTx]

the 650 grate is what i run on my triple piped virage tx,coupled with the 4 wedge they perform good together.the 750 grate is a real digger.on something thats got plenty of hp,8 or 12 vane stator you can stay hooked up in some ugly stuff,the jd grate is also a digger.both off these will have a braking effect when you lift on the throttle.the jd performs better than the 750 but you lose the speedo pickup.not so with the 750.my fav grate is a 750 with the wing length cut down to the 650 size.the blade still sits deeper as does the rear blade vs a 650 but doesn't drag the ski down nearly as much.pretty much what i keep on the pro all the time unless i'm headed to the river.i've got about 2 hours of mod time in it.but hey only so fast that skis gonna go at 7200 rpm on a 17/24 and an 8 vane and race sponsons.

[ph2ocraft]

.the jd performs better than the 750 but you lose the speedo pickup.not so with the 750..

You don't lose the speedo on the MSX hull as it's located on/in the ride plate versus attaching through the hull..

[Keddano]

So AL,In rating would you say Randy's modded is #1,followed by the 650?

[K447]

...my fav grate is a 750 with the wing length cut down to the 650 size. the blade still sits deeper as does the rear blade vs a 650 but doesn't drag the ski down nearly as much...

Is the modification to the R&D 750 grate something you would be willing to share, in terms of specifics?

How much to cut or grind, where, to what shape?

[785 lugs]

this may be a dumb ??? but how can you tell a 650 grate from a 750 grate

[K447]

...how can you tell a 650 grate from a 750 grate?

R&D Aquavein SL750 grate has 750SL molded/stamped into the metal, the R&D 650 grate does not.

Experts can probably tell them apart at ten paces...

[TxVirageTx]

didn't know the msx had that type speedo setup,guess i really should have looked at the pick.the jd is still a digger and will scrub speed,but how much on the msx hull only crazy and al would probably know