I am about to order a new 38' Lightning. A must is to bust 100MPH. I don't think the new Merc 600's will cut it but don't want to go to the 850's with 6 drives. So... Sterling 750's (carb only)? w/ stock XR drives? Short sportmaster? Or, Teague 750EFI?

What motor and drive combinations would you care to suggest? I want A. reliability, B. longevity (200+ hours before rebuild) and C. 100+ MPH.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

I guess I need to add that I'm also looking at the 38 Donzi ZR. At the Miami show the Donzi guys guarantee 105 MPH with Merc 600's.

Fountain or Donzi?

we have a NEW 38 LIGHTNING W/575S IN THE SHOW ROOM....

we are both a donzi and fountain dealer in seattle wa. I have built a few 38's that have ran better then 100mph. One with 575sci's. we added the intercoolers and incresed the boost so the motors were 680hp on the dyno. then we added imco 1 in short lowers. the most important was probably hering 6 blades. the boat runs 104 with ac, heat, generator, and huge stereo system with 4 people on board. The better way to go is 525efi's 93 mph same lowers and props . 525efi's with whipples will run better then 108mph.my best suggestion is 525efi's. In a year install the whipple's. the boat is a much better handleing boat with the shorties and herings. If you want a deal on a new 38 we have one. list price was 342,000 you can have it for 215k. powerboatsnw.com. we are fountains largest dealer on the west coast and are seasons are short. our prices are great!