I don't see being able to spin this but I've been told by 2 very reputable people that that is where I should be, the background is, stock 496 HO, 1.5 bravo X, stock 26p bravo, 5k all summer and 5100-to rev limiter in fall and spring, gps speed is 73-74 range, currently at around 12% slip, elevation is around 500', last run of 13' in late sept I was into the rev limiter with totally stock setup, I did install some cmi etops since then and being realistic on the headers I'm not expecting any speed gains but I do anticipate to pick up 50-100 rpm on top, with that said a labbed 28 from mercury should spin the same as my stock 26, which is not gonna work if I do pick up some r's from the headers, I just cant see spinning that big of wheel with only a 496, has anyone ever tried this or should I go with my gut and get a 28

I have been thinking the same thing. I run all summer on the rev limiter 5100-5200 with a stock 26P at about 300ft 73-75GPS. Wondering if a label 28 would work, otherwise I am looking at the whipple stage two Upgrade to give me a couple hundred RPM. A few guys are running this with headers and a lab bed prop getting about 80 GPS. I just don't want to lose too much coming out of the hole or midrange.

I don'believe that Merc makes a 29 inch Bravo One.

Padraig

It would be a 28 turned up or a 30 turned down

I would second guess that Whipple reprogram, the 496 makes max power at 5-5100, turning it faster will only harm it long term, that's why I'm where I'm at, those other guys running close to 80 is why there's cmi's on it now, I want to see if it really is possible, I'm expecting 76-78 realistically

I have a labbed 28 Bravo and I seen a best of 78 mph a few times. My boat has a totally stock 496 425HP in it also. It happens with 1/4 tank of fuel in each tank, 2 people on board, 6" to 1' foot of chop, and usually in spring or fall when temps are around 70 degrees out. The 28 does take some hole shot away, I usually run a 26 most of the year.

What rpm are you turning? And who labbed it? I'd be cool with running 78 in ideal conditions

It runs right at 5100 Rpm's. I am not sure who labbed it, was on the boat when I bought it. I have been thinking about sending both props to Bblades, I nicked up both props getting in shallow water.

I have similar issues with my Heat. But my slip is way worse. According to the calculators online, I have about 16% slip on a 26P Bravo. I think I may try to address the notoriously high x-dimension. Time to do some measurements. BBlades also has a spacer rental program now. 100 rental fee and 500 deposit for 15 days. If you decide to purchase, the deposit and fee go to the cost. I think I will give them a call on Monday. I want more speed

my buddy has a heat with the 500 also, he did a 1" spacer which helped his slip #'s and he picked up some mph, he's turning his 26 around 5300 and runs in the 73-75 range, without it he was around 71

wow, ok, I guess worst case is I don't pick up and r's and should still be able to spin the labbed 29 around 4900, which is still in range, i'll post results once I figure out what I'm doing and get some testing in