OK Guys, my newly rebuilt 502 is running sweet...
I got her out and logged about 2 hours tonight.
I was a little hesitant to push too hard thought; didn't want to blow her up in haste...
Also, I need to get the air out of my steering system to be more confident. The power steering pump was screaming even after filling it 3 times...

Anyway, 2 guys, 50+gal of fuel, 28p Bravo I, and calm seas:
I pushed the throttle for 1 quick passes...
The speedo was berried passed it's 80mph max, the tach was reading between 4700 and 4800 and the GSP was still climbing at 73.8 when I pull back on the stick...

There is a huge difference up top with this engine vs. my old 7.4. My old engine seem to die out at about 4200 and slowly gain rpm to 4500-4600. This 502 pulls hard past 4600 and I'm not sure where it will stop...

My best guess at this point, is what I have been hoping for. The boat should crack 75mph at about 4800rpm with a stock 28p Bravo 1...

Cool Pat!!! Souds like you'll easily see the 75 mark - the torque curve of that engine will continue to pull for a while and once you can hold her open for a longer run, the GPS will tell all. It must be a great feeling to hear her purr after all the work.......so what's next????? HA! Run 'er till she pukes......now to get some seat time!!!

Nice!!! Glad you got what you were looking for.

You gotta be happy! Keep us posted with the progress!

Hey Pat, Could you tell me a little about the handling differences between running a 3blade vs. 4blade prop.
I have been running a 3 blade on my 24 but it is a little loose
on the top end. Thanks, Shawn

Hi Shawn,
I have found that a 4 blade is more stable at speed especially in rough water.
From what I have read, this is do to less pitch per blade and more blades in the water. A 5 blade would be even more stable, but a lot more $$.
Our boats have the drive a little deep for the larger ø15.25" of a Bravo I vs. a Mirage +, so it does requires more trim.
I hope to try a friends ø14.5" 25p Spenelli at some point too.

PAT YOUR 24' MUST FEEL LIKE A ROCKET!!!!! BEST OF LUCK AND ENJOY YOUR RIDE !!!!!

NICE SUPERBOAT GURU PAT!!!!
Popping the 70 mark is just like popping your first......errrr.....ummm......O.K. ...Bash wont go there!

Yes, Krak it is a great feeling to finally get behind the wheel again...
What's next? Well I have lots to do on the rest of the boat before any more engine work...
But, I have acquired a cam and throttle body from a HP500EFI to go along with the AZ Speed intake now sitting on my work bench...
"For Now" I'm going to run the way she's rigged...
Hopefully she will not puke any time soon...
However, I have back ups now; both drive and engine.

I hear you Bash...
Yes, a year later finally got her to run over 70. Of course I'm looking for 75mph now...
I have to be honest, it's going to take me some time to get used to the extra speed.
It may only be 7-8mph, but things do happen faster...