I was thinking it should be a plus also, but a standard mirage 23 will get him close.

I don't think it is...it doesn't have the "plus" on it. Unless it's an early version of one. Pressed in hub too rather than the interchangeable. (don't know if all plus's have them or not though)

Either way, it runs good with whatever version it is...

If you get a chance to try a 25 Merc. Tempest plus 3 blade (bass boat prop) by all means give it a try.. Its a high rake prop & will lift the boat well,,

Not sure what you are looking for but if its top end then the 3 blades seen to work best on the 24's & as mentioned the mirages & mirage+'s work well, but if you can get ahold of a tempest or tempest plus give it a shot.. My old 79 24' had a low X due to the TRS and was no doubt a several hundred pounds heavier than your boat with about 450-475hp with 454 cu" & a 25 pitch Tempest plus worked best on it from what I tried.. I would have really liked to tried a 23 in the same prop but never got a chance to.. the boat ran right at 70 on GPS and was a blast to drive a speed due to the lift & high trim it took to run it all out..

I appreciate all the help guys i will let you know what happens, still waiting on parts for 2 weeks now.!!!

I have run a 3 blade Mirage and a 4 blade. If I recall, the three blade runs better. I am going to have the same basic set up as you, with a new engine going in this spring. 89, 24, with a stroker 496 at about 525 hp. I was running about 70-72 with about 450 hp around 4800 RPMs. This was with the three blade.

What rpm range should i be running?

Somewhere around 4800-5200 I would think, did ya ever get your motor done? I'll be out of town this weekend, but if ya wanna run the following I am up for it.

I finally got cam 1 month later, the motor should be ready to drop in by tuesday, wednesday.

I would bet closer to 5400-5500 rpms or so. Check with Bob M to see he what he thinks.

Just trying to keep him safe, at least until broken in