Need for speed 1985 baja Force280
 

I posted this on the General Q&A board but thought i might get a little more insight here.

I have a 28' 1985 baja with twin 454's. These motors have dart high rise intakes, roller rockers, roller valves, a big cam(not sure on model #), EMI prefomance exhaust system. i was thinking my boat should be running at least middle 70's.. best ive seen out of it is 65mph on gps. any ideas? any more mods i can do to the engines for more horsepower or top end speed?? Im running 4 blade 24 pitch props... Ive considered stepping up a few pitches but don't really want to. I have alpha outdrives (I plan on switching to bravos in the future but these outdrives have just been rebuilt so id like to get a little use out of them) Is there anything else i can do to increase speed?

run 3 blades or you will be buying bravos just that much sooner, alphas are your weak link, 4 blades load em up more comming out of the hole, plus 3 blades will give you more top end, you never did (that I saw) post your numbers.. rpm/speed

Contact HiTechRedNeck on Midwestboatparty.com. He has an 89 Sport 280 with the same hull and he runs Plus 93.
I would think you would be running faster than 65. I have an 87 280 Force with LH & RH alphas, 23 pitch mirage props, stock 454 motors and ran 65.7 GPS last weekend.

thanks for that advice.. i wish i had a pair of 23s to try.. i just bought these 24s and i bet i could get a prop shop around here to trade me. but either way my boat wont be back in the water till april, just wondering on some winter projects to do on it.

I have an 88 with stock 365 hp 454 mags on Bravo's spining Bronson Hill labed 23's

Best I have seen is 68.9 with 2 people and about 1/3 tank of fuel. The motors also have 860 hours on them so I am sure they are not as strong as they used to be.