1997 Sea-Doo SP / SPX / GS / GSI / GSX / GTS / GTI / GTX / HX RACING HANDBOOK! Manual

The 1997 Bombardier Racing Handbook (P/N 219 000 060) serves as the primary technical reference for setting up 1988–1997 Sea-Doo personal watercraft for IJSBA competitive events. It covers the SP, SPX, GS, GSI, GSX, GTS, GTI, GTX, and HX variants equipped with Rotax 587, 657, 717, 787, and 947 powerplants.

• Official first edition Bombardier release featuring 51 technical illustrations.
• Includes 14 detailed engine-preparation tables covering cylinder porting, compression ratios, and ignition timing.

Engine and Hull Preparation

Competitive watercraft preparation demands precise tolerances. This manual provides a thorough look into hull truing, detailing the exact measurements required alongside proper painting guidelines for Concept and Delta coatings. To optimize high-speed stability and hydrodynamic efficiency, the text reviews structural component sealing, sponson kit installation, and lightweight part integration.

Moving to the powertrain, the documentation unpacks Rotax engine theory. It examines RAVE valve operation, rotary valve intake timing, and combustion chamber volume measurements. Technicians focused on race-level blueprinting will find comprehensive porting maps for the 587 through 947 engine series. A diagnostic flow chart outlines engine leakage testing procedures across the cooling system, crankcase, and rotary valve shafts. Before implementing any high-performance modifications based on these reference materials, a certified marine mechanic should verify the structural and mechanical integrity of the watercraft to ensure safe operation under demanding race conditions.

Specification Highlights

Accurate tuning relies on precise factory data. The engine specification tables list the uncorrected compression ratio for the 587 engine at 11.5:1, with a documented cylinder head squish clearance of 1.30–1.70 mm for production units. For ignition setup, the manual tabulates MPEM correction data essential for dialing in the 787 and 947 engines. The required spark plug gap remains standardized at 0.5–0.6 mm across all covered Rotax-powered models. Additionally, the handbook organizes official Sea-Doo paint codes for hull, engine, and exhaust components, streamlining cosmetic restoration alongside mechanical prep.