this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

this is a update on a previous thread, I was having issues with upgraded 502's from az speed package , figured it all out, the motors had bad rings 20% leakage hindering increased hp from the upgrade.

soooo i need some imput on performance based off of the motors that a plan to get built to put in my 1998 35 lightning.

540 ci 675hp naturally asper motors

i plan on converting my current motors to this set up


before i pull the trigger what perfromance #'s :evilb: will i see with this set up?

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

I would guess 95mph?
Mav35 care to chime in?

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

If you put some shorties on it that will be a smoking fast ride. Mid to upper 90's.

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

i get 93-95mph with same motors triple application

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

one question is?

should i make the switch from efi to carb.

i feel that there is a lot more hp to gain out of a carb motor vs. efi
I really would love to get rid of the computers thats why i am thinking carb.

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

Hey man, I believe you own the boat with the Livorsi sticker on the side. I saw you in the Palaco Grande canal about a month ago. I was rolling in a 35ZF Donzi with Verados.
Anyway I don't know if you are interested but OSO member Ratman has a set of 700hp na's for sale in the classifieds. He is in Tampa area, I think the mills are still in his boat and can be run. Just a suggestion. Good luck you have a sweet boat.
Josh

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

yep, thats me, the motors are giving me fits and its time for more hp and speed. i just want the gains iam looking for and i will be done. yea right well for now

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

Briana, Just sitting here eating lunch and noticed Highest and Best Use. I'm in the same profession here in KY / IN. Do you have a 35'. My old one is for sale right now (96' model). I took 502 efi's out and kept what i could and converted them to 540s with carb (high hp requires fuel-doesnt matter if carb or efi). Carbs are easier to tune. I got 90 mph with 540s in a 96' 35, small step. I never tried imco lowers, but needed them for higher drive height. Probably could have got several more mph out of boat. I ran 89.9 on gps at 5,250 rpm-and I could hold it wide open for a full tank of gas and do it again. I know a good mechanic if you need one.

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

Brian
Who does your motor work?

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

Kelly Rickert in Evansville, IN. Extreme, Speed & Marine. (812) 457-1294. He's built 2 -540s for me for a 1993-32' boat was real fast and maintenance free. 2-540s for 96' 35' - 89.9 mph-never turned a wrench on them-sold that boat for a 2001 42'. He's currently working on my 575's. Adding chillers, ecm, upgrades and a few other improvements. He's always built them with durability high on the list.

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

Thats good info. It says alot about them that you keep going back!!

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

brian,

what hp was your 540 ci running at?

Re: this really sucks? BUT GETTING BETTER
 

I did not spend the money to dyno them. The boat had the first year small step for the 35' Lightning. The boat ran 76 mph with stock 502 efi's. The 540's would hit the rev limiters with the stock 28 4 blade bravos at 90 mph, dropped a little rpm but ran same speed with 30s, dropped more rpm with 32s but ran same speed. At the end I remember running 32s around 4900 rpm near 90 mph and same speed but a little higher rpm with 30 stock 4 blade bravos. I never tried different drive heights or blueprinted props. The motors probably had somewhere between 525 and 550 hp, but the torque was were it was at. The horsepower does'nt really matter if you can't get the right prop and drive set-up. No matter what proprs I put on it, the motors turned them but the boat handled the best with 30s because of the low drive height. You're newer hull probably has a 2 to 3 mph advantage.