I'm thinking of putting on a shorty out drive and was wondering if there is any way to estimate performance gains if any? I think this would be the best bang for my buck and not put to much additional load on the motor. Boat is a 96 Schiada RT with a 500HP. She spins a 28p I had turned down to a 26p at 5300 to 77.5. I measured the X dimension and the Propshaft sits 6.5 inches below the bottom of the boat. A trusted friend and fellow board member advised me this past weekend she needs hydraulic steering now, let alone after anything done to increase speed so I'm budgeting that in as well. Any and all info/opinions/advice are greatly appreciated.

I would suggest you call Schiada and see what they recommend for an X and prop. Most manufactures used a 3-blade prop in 1996. The right prop with the right X could be a home run.