As an owner of a 1999 42 lightning with the super ventilated hull as it was called, I wanted to ask some other owners about an upgrade from a relatively stock hp 500 with bravos to a 540ci 650hp package what their opinions would be for speed. Mine is setup realy well with original low water pickup Bravos and labbed 4 blade 28P props spinning in. What are some of the other Lightning owners seeing for speed with the 98-99 tall steps and 650hp motors?

Thanks guys

I think right around 90 would be a close guess.

I have no experience and have never researched this, but I would think closer to mid 90's.

I have 01 38 lighting side by side with 650hp running 90mph , I think it would be safe to say that 90 mph is achievable!

I have a 98 42 big step, (side by side) my n/a 540's (557 now) made 690hp @ 5500, I can turn 32 lab b1's right @ 90MPH, My motors were dyno'd without accessories & dyno headers, so 650HP would be a realistic # in marine form

Thanks Ran-Dom.
Its always hard to get an exact duplicate of a project but that's right on. Are you running stock 1.5 ratio Bravo 1's ? Ever had any problems with that much power running thru them?

yes, stock 1.50 Bravo 1's & I broke 2 in 40 Hours both when I ran 5 blades... I switch back to 4 blades & no failures so far... knock on wood ( I keep a spare drive as a back up )