Billet Ported & Flowed 5-Petal Reed Cage Assemblies for Mercury 3.0 and 3.2 Liters!
 
In a two-stroke outboard, the reed cage and reed petals are the core of the intake assembly. The reed petals are flexible and open and close against the reed cage to control the flow of air and fuel.
 
A reed valve is a one-way valve that allows the air and fuel mixture to move from the intake to the crankcase during the piston's upstroke. During the piston's downstroke, the valve closes and forces the air and fuel mixture into the cylinder.
 
The Buckshot Racing Ported & Flowed 5-Petal Reed Cages upgrades all Mercury 3.0 and 3.2 Liter 5 and 6 petal 2-Stroke V6 Outboard Reed Block Assemblies manufactured from 1992 to the present.
 
This includes all 200 HP, 225 HP, 250 HP, and 300 HP outboards including the Pro Max 300, 300x, 300XS 3.2 Liter Stroker, Pro X, DFI, Optimax (Opti), Carb, EFI, Sea Pro, Marathon, 250XB,  
 
This reed cage is another first in innovation allowing all 3.0 Liter owners to increase their performance with a bolt in part! Racers and enthusiasts understand this motor runs harder when ported and flowed. We've done the homework with this world-class product.
 
In a Mercury 2-stroke 3.0-liter outboard engine, a 5-petal billet reed cage that has been ported, flowed, and precision machined can outperform older 5 or 6-petal reed cage with cracked old rubber due to several key factors related to the airflow dynamics, reed performance, and overall engine efficiency:
 
1. Porting and Flowing of the Reed Cage:
Improved Airflow: When a reed cage is ported and flowed, it is reshaped to optimize the flow of air/fuel mixture into the engine. This reduces turbulence and restrictions, allowing for smoother, more efficient airflow.
Better Volumetric Efficiency: The increased airflow helps improve volumetric efficiency, meaning the engine can fill the combustion chamber with a greater amount of air/fuel mixture, leading to better combustion and more power.
2. Precision Machining:
Tighter Tolerances: Precision machining ensures that the reed cage components fit together perfectly, minimizing air leaks and ensuring a tight seal when the reeds close. This leads to more consistent performance and better throttle response.
Reduced Reed Flutter: Billet reed cages are often stronger and more rigid compared to stock cages. This reduces reed flutter, which occurs at higher RPMs when the reeds vibrate uncontrollably. A stable reed cage improves performance, especially at high RPMs.
3. Billet Construction vs. Stock Cast Rubber-Reed Cage:
Durability and Rigidity: Billet aluminum reed cages are stronger and more durable than stock casted rubber-coated cages. Rubber can crack, dry out, and deteriorate over time, leading to airflow inconsistencies and poor sealing. A billet cage maintains its shape and structural integrity, ensuring consistent performance.
Reed Response: In older, cracked reed cages, the reeds may not open and close as efficiently. This leads to poor airflow control, reduced power, and inefficient fuel use. A billet cage allows the reeds to respond more quickly and effectively to engine demands.
4. Condition of the Rubber-Coated Reed Cage:
Cracked Rubber: This can cause air leaks and improper sealing. Air leaks disrupt the air/fuel mixture entering the engine, reducing the efficiency of the combustion process. This negatively affects throttle response, power output, and overall engine efficiency.
Reduced Performance Due to Deterioration: As the rubber deteriorates, the reeds may no longer sit properly on the cage, resulting in inconsistent airflow. This leads to lost power and a sluggish response at higher RPMs.
5. Comparison of 5-Petal vs. 6-Petal Design:
Fewer Petals Can Mean Higher Flow at Certain RPMs: In some cases, fewer petals (5 vs. 6) can mean larger individual petal areas, allowing for greater airflow per petal at specific RPM ranges. While 6-petal cages may allow for more total airflow at lower RPMs, a well-ported and flowed 5-petal cage can outperform it at mid-to-high RPMs, especially when the 6-petal cage is compromised by cracks and wear.
Tuning Advantage: If the engine has been tuned for a high-performance application, the flow characteristics of a 5-petal reed cage that has been ported and flowed may better match the engine's power curve, especially in high-RPM situations.
 
A 5-petal billet reed cage that has been ported, flowed, and precision machined can offer superior performance by allowing better airflow, improved sealing, and greater durability. In contrast, a 6-petal reed cage with cracked rubber will suffer from air leaks, reed flutter, and poor sealing, significantly reducing its performance.
 
The billet construction, porting, and machining ensure consistent airflow and reliability, which is critical in high-performance 2-stroke engines, where every detail contributes to maximizing power and efficiency.
 
Includes six (6) Billet 6061 Ported & Flowed 5-Petal Reed Cages. They are anodized RED and include Twelve (12) Billet 6061 Reed Petal Holders, and sixty (60) socket head screws.  Racer Net and Group Members is introductory pricing is $495 ($300 off $795 MSRP).
 
Add our recommended Carbon Composite Racing Reeds for $199 (vs MSRP of $239)
 
Outperforms Mercury Marine Quicksilver Part Numbers at a fraction of the OEM MSRP:
840418T04 Reed Block / Cage $448.14 x 6, 34-840445A04 Reed Petal Kit $808.93, 840447 Reed Hold Down Plate $29.58 x 6, 10-849038 Reed Screw $1.40 x  6, 828623, 828623T4 Reed Block Cage $161.58, 828623T6 Reed Block Assembly Cage $184.33 x 6, 34-849007A1 Reed Petal Kit $145.88 x 6, 34-816107A1 $57.83 x 6, 8160321 NLA Reed Block / Cage