if it were off a tooth I think it would be way down on power, not just sound "off"

Also with it a tooth off the cranking compression would be higher or lower than the other motor depending on which way it is off because the intake closing would would happen way sooner or later

well embarrassed to say , the issue was all TIMING....I thought timing was set, but was way off...
time for a test ride, after a year of rebuilding this boat from stringers, transom, new motors.......
then........

new project, update dash............

Haha hey we've all done that at some point. Glad to see if figured out may be a chilly test ride but at least you can get a test in before it gets really cold!

Yea,,,,,thank gosh,,wasnt looking forward to pulling motor,,,but think all is good
,suppose to be in low 60's this weekend...
Next will be ,,after little time on motors , start to ''run'' see where we are....speed ..rpm etc..
I think i will have to reprop boat. I have 4 blade intimators 26 p
have been told i will need 28 or 29's....and a bravo style prop...
Flash..out

Sometimes the easy chit just doesn't seem possible but another example of process of elimination starting with the simplest first. Your not alone. Been a handful of these this season.

I thought that I would have to reprop also. The old engine and drive set up ( no box and 1 1/8 lower ) turned 5400 RPM ( 650 HP with 1.5 to 1 and a 28 pitch 4 blade Bravo prop ) 6000 RPM with the drive ratio at 1.5 to 1.
With the new engine and box I now turn the same prop at 6100 RPM
I just bought a new BBlades labbed Bravo 4 blade 28 pitch modded for my boat.