Precision-engineered lightweight wrist pins are a critical component upgrade for high-performance Mercury two-stroke outboards, specifically across the 2.0L, 2.4L, and 2.5L V6 engine platforms.
These wrist pins are available in two (2) length and weight specifications to address the mechanical demands and fitment requirements of both race and production pistons used in Mercury and Mercury Racing V6 outboards. Designed to directly slip-fit replacement for OEM and aftermarket wrist pins without modification, these parts contribute to lower reciprocating mass, increased engine responsiveness, and reduced internal stress during high-RPM operation.
1) Short Lightweight Wrist Pins – 77 Grams for Mercury 2.0L, 2.4L, and 2.5L Race Pistons
The short version of the wrist pin, weighing approximately 77 grams, is designed for use in Mercury 2.0L, 2.4L, and 2.5L V6 two-stroke engines when fitted with race pistons or standard-length 2.0 and 2.4 pistons that require the short wrist pin.
This includes compatibility with Mercury 2.0L V6 outboards such as the 150 HP XR2 and XR4 models, widely used in lightweight hull configurations for acceleration-focused applications. In 2.4L platforms, these pins suit both carbureted and EFI configurations, including the 175 HP and 200 HP Bridgeport models, the Laser 220, and XRi variants where high RPM performance and minimized internal stress are critical.
Within the 2.5L V6 range, the short 77g pins apply to performance-modified outboards utilizing aftermarket race pistons. This includes Mercury Racing 2.5 EFI 260 HP and 280 HP engines configured with lightweight forged pistons for offshore or drag racing use, as well as the 2.5 Drag model producing approximately 300 horsepower at elevated RPM thresholds.
These wrist pins offer a significant mass reduction over OEM components, which typically weigh between 102-105 grams. This ~30% reduction in mass has a measurable impact on reducing parasitic loss and inertial loading during high-frequency operation.
The pins are manufactured from hardened alloy steel and precision-ground to ensure consistent slip-fit tolerance, optimizing oil film maintenance and maintaining concentricity across the stroke cycle.
They are fully compatible with forged racing pistons from vendors such as Wiseco, Wizard, Buckshot Racing 77 F1, CRT, ProV, WSM, and Vertex, with clearance and length specifications tailored to match critical dimensions in high-output two-stroke builds. Sets are weight-matched to ±0.25 grams to ensure uniform load distribution and minimize cylinder-to-cylinder imbalance in all six-cylinder assemblies.
2) Long Lightweight Wrist Pins – 82 Grams for Mercury 2.5L V6 Standard Pistons
The long version, weighing approximately 82 grams, is designed exclusively for standard piston applications in the Mercury 2.5L V6 outboard family. These include the production Mercury 150 XR6, 175 HP, 200 EFI, and 225 HP Pro Max engines, as well as all Mercury Racing 2.5 EFI high-performance engines using standard-length piston configurations. This encompasses the 260 HP, 280 HP, S3000, and Drag 300 models, which could share a common wrist pin dimension in the stock piston architecture.
These 82-gram wrist pins retain OEM-length geometry while reducing overall pin mass by approximately 20–25 grams relative to factory components. The resulting decrease in reciprocating weight benefits dynamic cranktrain stability and enhances throttle response under both rapid acceleration and high-speed load conditions.
The reduction in reciprocating inertia contributes directly to increased reliability of rod bearings, crank journals, and small-end bushings under peak cylinder pressure loads, which in 2.5 Drag engines may exceed 150 PSI in race-tuned configurations.
Each wrist pin is manufactured from high-yield, wear-resistant steel alloy with induction hardening along its bearing surfaces. The internal wall thickness is tapered for optimal strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring structural integrity under combustion shock while retaining minimal drag characteristics associated with full-floating slip-fit designs. This construction supports extended high-RPM operation typical of drag race and offshore powerboat applications.
These long pins are directly compatible with OEM pistons as well as aftermarket equivalents designed for the Mercury Racing platform. Engineering tolerances are maintained within tight micrometric standards, making them a direct-fit component for Mercury Racing EFI 260 and 280 engines, as well as Pro Max 225 builds upgraded with high-performance internals.
Each set is weight-matched for even load distribution and vibration mitigation across the crankshaft’s rotational cycle, supporting engine balance objectives in tuned two-stroke marine powerplants.
Performance Engineering Considerations
Reducing reciprocating mass is a fundamental principle in high-performance engine development, particularly for two-stroke Mercury outboards that operate at sustained engine speeds exceeding 7,500 RPM.
Lightweight wrist pins reduce both dynamic and static loads on critical rotating assemblies, contributing to increased mechanical efficiency, decreased frictional losses, and lower internal wear over time. This directly improves both the responsiveness and durability of Mercury Racing V6 platforms in competitive marine environments.
Additionally, lighter wrist pins exert less tensile load on the piston crown and less compressive force on the connecting rod’s small end during top-dead-center reversal, reducing the likelihood of fatigue failure in thermally stressed components.
This mechanical benefit is essential for Mercury engines operating at the extremes of port timing, fuel mapping, and ignition advance—conditions typical of drag racing and Formula 1 tunnel hull applications.
The kit includes six (6) lightweight matched slip-fit wrist Pins for all Mercury V6 2-stroke outboards.
Select: 1) Short Wrist Pins or 2) Long Wrist Pins
Contact Mike Hill at +1-714-697-1716 or email mike@buckshotracing77.com for technical support.