HA- I'm done! This has been 3 months of hell! Having to drive 5 hours one way to work on the boat for the weekend, every weekend for three months has gotten beyond old. Wherever the speed ends up, is where it will be. Outside of little things, I am done with the speed quest with this boat. If I want to go faster, I'm buying a boat that goes that speed. In the end I know I will hit the mid 80's, and I'm completely happy with that.

Now with my 242, when I replaced the engine in that I started with a prop that was too big. From that prop to the correct prop I gained 7 mph, if my memory serves me right. So I am confident 81 will not be the final top number.

Was that an aluminum aftermarket valve cover that was cracked? From looking at the pictures you took the stock covers off.
With those slip numbers it sounds like your drives could go up even higher.
If you can find another -3 drive I have one but mine is 1:34 ratio.

I replaced the stock ones that you had on it, with stock Gen V aluminum valve covers. I tightened one a bit to much and cracked it along the entire bottom where the o-ring gasket goes. For the time being I put your old one back on. I have a replacement but I need to sand it down, and powder coat it.

I think you are right in that I could still go higher. I was expecting my slip to go up, not come way down. I think for this year I'm done messing with stuff. I'm going to remove 3" off the skeg as they are way to deep, I'll also try a few different props. For now though, other than some easy things, I'm going to just use and enjoy the boat for the rest of the summer. What rpms were you running the engines at when they were in the scarab?

endeavour32 Nice combination on repower/drive combo. Do you have any new video of completed project; on trailer or running? Interested in seeing hull angle while running with new equip. Thanks.

I'll try and get someone to video the boat this weekend. I'm also going to be testing some stock 26 bravos and see what the results are. I'll report back when I have more info.

Your slip #s and RPM are too low. The slip should be in the 12 to 15% range and your RPM needs to be around 5400 to 5700. If I was you I would find a pair of 25 Mirage + props.
You also might want to recheck your jetting to make sure You are getting all of the HP.
When I had standard length drives I ran Mirage 25 pitch ( not the + version ) and ran them for about one month at 6000 RPM. But I could blow them out getting on plane. I then installed stock 28 pitch Bravo 4 blades and turned then 5300 RPM. Then I went with the IMCO -2 shorties and on a good day could turn them 5400 RPM.

I would think that with the right props and running in the power band of your engines you should see at least 4 or 5 more MPH.

I agree with you! I'm going to try the 26 Bravos over the weekend and see what I get for numbers. If that doesn't improve things much I'll dig up a set of Mirages and see where I end up.

I just ordered a set of 27P labbed Mirage props. I never in a million years thought I would be trying a set of Mirages on this combo, but I agree, the slip numbers are way to low. Even with the shorties the boat walks on plane with not notable slippage issues. The labbing should be good for 300 rpms, lack of a blade 200 rpms and 1" less pitch 200 rpms and additional prop slip. I'm hoping to gain 800+/- rpms with these. Hopefully they will work. I'm still going to try out a set of B1 26's. Between the two, I think I will find the right set up.

I am SO glad that I am no longer doing everything times TWO.
I raised my X - 1 1/8 th inch and went back 12 inches and the boat gets on plane easier than it did before. I do believe once on plane my slip #'s will be quite high.
SO last week I modified my X drive upper to fit a Maximus 5 blade prop ( full diameter ) And then took the sawzall to the new to me $600 Maximus 28 pitch prop and cut 1 1/2 inches off of the bell.
The funny thing is that I spent more than twice the $ on ONE engine that you paid for both of yours.