This is a simple build that I have been interested in doing for a while.
Back in 2008 right after my brother and I got our first jet skis, we had a good friend who bought a wave jammer. We didn't know what we were doing, but somehow managed to have fun and learn a WJ, sxi pro, and X2. We're into our fifth riding season now, and I still enjoy the WJ. No I'm not insane. I'm going to outline a few reasons and ideas for this build.
Cheap. I got a Waverunner 650 LX ski, which ran, for $50 off CL. The LX uses a detuned 650 engine with WR/ WJ500 driveline parts and motor mount adapters. So basically its a drop in package into the WJ hull.
Guests. My brother and I typically have many guests come out each year. I'd say most only come out once or twice. That is not much time to learn how to ride a stand up. If we get them on a x2, usually its help them balance, point and shoot and hope they dont fall off. The jammer is a sit down which anyone can master within minutes.
Girls. Girls love this ski. It is easy and not intimidating. Even cute in a severely ugly sort of way. My good friend who bought one initially is now married. His wife says they will never sell the jammer. I think their GP800 is on the way out...
Silly. I've said this before, but this is a very silly jet ski. It is so nice to have something which you aren't tweaking every second you're out trying to get that last .1mph. The handling is junk. But you learn to respect the limits of the handling and instead work with it, and enjoy it for what it is. Some of the most fun moments I've had on a jet ski was cat and mouse type "dogfighting" with my friend on his GP800 and me on the Jammer. The jammer can do 180s very easily, but is very power limited. Basically I hold the 0 to 10mph manuverability advantage. My friend on the GP had HP, speed, torque, stability, basically everything more than me except that slow speed agility. He would work so hard to out manuver me that he would have a rash on his thighs from his seat.
I figure a little extra hp and a good impeller will take this ski to the next level. The highest performing 650 LX Group K has listed is just a hair under 45mph. I'm using that as my goal. Eventually this ski will get a big bore and porting. Figure 100lbs less weight than the LX and 45 with good acceleration doesn't seem too bad.
I will not do a pump swap. From what I've seen on my 550/750 I know these small pumps have a decent amount to give. The jammer is fairly light and I think that helps. I'll be working with a freshly rebuilt pump, mint wear ring, and a perfect impeller to get the right hook up. Too many people get bogged down trying to get bigger pumps in this ski, and then never follow thru.
Oh and also this ski will be getting a sweet make over to make all my newbie friends more anxious to ride it. Better vinyl and 2 color turf, think like blowsion freeride ski.
One last thing, as with all of my builds, I will take this ski as far as I can. When I get to the "feasible limits" I will enjoy it for what it is. Even so it will still put a smile on my face!
Got the WR 650 LX for 50 bucks, which included the engine, ebox, carb, pipe, motor mounts, and a few other bits.
Got a 87 WJ500 delivered to my work for $300 with trailer. Sold the trailer for a quick $150.
I've already cleaned the engine, and purchased a SJ 650 head. The LX uses a 2 piece head with a lower compression ratio. I figure since they originally matched the 650 with a much heavier LX hull which can sit 2 people, the WJ can probably take the added strain because it will be one person and lighter.
Next up is purchase an impeller and a gasket set.
Back in 2008 right after my brother and I got our first jet skis, we had a good friend who bought a wave jammer. We didn't know what we were doing, but somehow managed to have fun and learn a WJ, sxi pro, and X2. We're into our fifth riding season now, and I still enjoy the WJ. No I'm not insane. I'm going to outline a few reasons and ideas for this build.
Cheap. I got a Waverunner 650 LX ski, which ran, for $50 off CL. The LX uses a detuned 650 engine with WR/ WJ500 driveline parts and motor mount adapters. So basically its a drop in package into the WJ hull.
Guests. My brother and I typically have many guests come out each year. I'd say most only come out once or twice. That is not much time to learn how to ride a stand up. If we get them on a x2, usually its help them balance, point and shoot and hope they dont fall off. The jammer is a sit down which anyone can master within minutes.
Girls. Girls love this ski. It is easy and not intimidating. Even cute in a severely ugly sort of way. My good friend who bought one initially is now married. His wife says they will never sell the jammer. I think their GP800 is on the way out...
Silly. I've said this before, but this is a very silly jet ski. It is so nice to have something which you aren't tweaking every second you're out trying to get that last .1mph. The handling is junk. But you learn to respect the limits of the handling and instead work with it, and enjoy it for what it is. Some of the most fun moments I've had on a jet ski was cat and mouse type "dogfighting" with my friend on his GP800 and me on the Jammer. The jammer can do 180s very easily, but is very power limited. Basically I hold the 0 to 10mph manuverability advantage. My friend on the GP had HP, speed, torque, stability, basically everything more than me except that slow speed agility. He would work so hard to out manuver me that he would have a rash on his thighs from his seat.
I figure a little extra hp and a good impeller will take this ski to the next level. The highest performing 650 LX Group K has listed is just a hair under 45mph. I'm using that as my goal. Eventually this ski will get a big bore and porting. Figure 100lbs less weight than the LX and 45 with good acceleration doesn't seem too bad.
I will not do a pump swap. From what I've seen on my 550/750 I know these small pumps have a decent amount to give. The jammer is fairly light and I think that helps. I'll be working with a freshly rebuilt pump, mint wear ring, and a perfect impeller to get the right hook up. Too many people get bogged down trying to get bigger pumps in this ski, and then never follow thru.
Oh and also this ski will be getting a sweet make over to make all my newbie friends more anxious to ride it. Better vinyl and 2 color turf, think like blowsion freeride ski.
One last thing, as with all of my builds, I will take this ski as far as I can. When I get to the "feasible limits" I will enjoy it for what it is. Even so it will still put a smile on my face!
Got the WR 650 LX for 50 bucks, which included the engine, ebox, carb, pipe, motor mounts, and a few other bits.
Got a 87 WJ500 delivered to my work for $300 with trailer. Sold the trailer for a quick $150.
I've already cleaned the engine, and purchased a SJ 650 head. The LX uses a 2 piece head with a lower compression ratio. I figure since they originally matched the 650 with a much heavier LX hull which can sit 2 people, the WJ can probably take the added strain because it will be one person and lighter.
Next up is purchase an impeller and a gasket set.
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