My buddy is on his way back from TX w/ his new 98 Sprint. It has the 385 mag w/ CMIs. The owner says it does 75 w/ a best ever of 80? Is this realistic ... seems pretty fast for the mild power?

That does sound "optimistic". Probably water speedometer #s,
which are usually on the high side.
A handheld GPS will put the #s in perspective......
Steve

It did a little over 66 GPS here @ 5000'. So the previous owners claims may be valid with a taller prop @ sea level. Prop slip was only 6%!

i have an hp 525 in my sprint, and it does about 84, i use to have a 454mpi in it and it topped out at 55-60

I have a 94 Venture witha 502 EFI. Cruises all day at 55-60MPH with great economy, tops out at 74MPH GPS at 4950 RPM, (digital Tach)

What props are you guys running? He was running a 23p M+ when we took his out. He has baught a 4 blade hydromotive for it but hasn't tested it yet. Not sure on which version either.