The Key West run was awsome. It would have even been better if i would have made it all the way down there. The C group was suppose to be between 50 and 60. It was more like 60+. I had to run at about 60 to keep boats in sight so i would know where i was going. Got to holiday isle and heard a lifter ratling so that was the end of the trip for the cafe. We jumped in the boat with Ron ( he had the new 42X ) and ran 90 the rest of the way down there. That was awsome. I spoke with an engine builder and i am considering stroking my 502s to 540. He said i could get 650 hp with the right cam and carb setup. Is there anybody out there that is running 650 in a cafe and what is top speed and cruising speed. I would appreciate any advice on reliability and HP.

Hey Jeff, sorry to hear the boat didn't make the trip. We saw it at the Marriott in Miami. Looked great!!

I would assume you'll get mid to upper 70's out of 650's.

the c group pace boat was running 60..... i know the boat we were on only ran 62 WOT... c group also went to gilberts not holiday...

C group passed holiday when b group was leaving. We stopped at Gilberts and had lunch.

I'm putting 700's in mine as we speak, we are estimating mid80's based on HP and weight. Have some guy guy by the name of Art F***ing Lilly putting it together for me. That's his estimate and that's good enough for me. More power more speed, the hull can handle it.

JeffC
I am sorry to hear that the boat did not make it.
I was in the 38TG running near the back with you early on.
I did not want to push my boat because I had not run it in 2 years.

Your boat looks great I hope you get it together.
Darren

JC,

I followed your restore and saw all the pics you posted. Once again, your boat is beatiful!

You could stroke them to 572" and get huge torque also. Costs about the same from the right supplier. I have a very very small cam in mine and was making 650 torque at 4500. Cam wias only .560 flat tappet.

Just imagine what they would do with a mild roller and a little head work.

I just happn to have a couple 582" engines for sale. Not advertised yet. Could have them modified for your app.

how fast did the B group run ? i have 02 38 top gun that runs 82

The B group ran fast. I was running 80 and losing the group now and then, and had to run up to 90 or 95 to catch up with them all. Have to say, was surprised at how fast they were running in the "middle group". Sure got there quick though.