Have purchased a lightly used (15 hours) Performance 275 which runs great. The only problem is trying to keep up with the rest of the pack. Just can't get enough speed out of the HO 496. Low 60s at best and my buds are blowing by me. How much HP will the hull handle? Should I consider an engine swap?

How much speed are you looking for? Baja did offer the 275 with a 525, so at least that will go in the engine compartment. That should put you into the low 70's. And if you up the hp to 650-700+ you begin to have problems with the drive holding up.

Looking in the 70s.. Most of my buds are doing that speed so I just want to keep up!

If you want "true" 75 mph, you will need 600hp+. A 525 would be a 70ish boat. An Ilmor 625 or 650 would be cool in that boat for sure, if it will fit.

The boat will handle more. Mine has a 500 EFI with a whipple and I am low on power compared to what other 272/275 owners on here have. A 500 or 525 would be cool but if money is an issue, you need to figure out what upgrades will be most effective.

PS...if you go with a whole different motor, I might be interested in the 496.

My 272 w/375 Mag is 60/61 mph on gps in light chop. 2 peeps on board w/ 1/2 tank fuel. In other words, perf conditions.
She likes to be trimmed out for max speed.
I would think your HO should hit 65/66 in perf water.
Like was said, a 525 will get you to low 70's.

You have a solid boat there. Just be happy you're not fueling 2 engines like your friends @ $4.50 /gal.

tg.

You make a great point! Gas is getting expensive and those guys with twins can't pass a marina without getting go go juice....

I'll bet you, you'll never see 65-66 with a 496HO unless you run on fumes with a labbed prop in a 275. It will never be a real everyday number anyway. Just sayin'. Between 61-62 in normal conditions. My guess is, that your 272's normal number is about 57-59?

Thanks guys for your input. What I am hearing from you is to take the power up to 550-600hp and we are good to go in the low to mid 70s..... I could keep up with those numbers.

Raylar kit and a Dana exhaust?

You will have to ask Ray about how to get 600hp, they do have the 600HO package. But yes, for an honest 74-75 600+ hp. 550hp 71-72. http://www.raylarengine.com/packages.html

Sill think the Ilmor 625 would be sooo aweome in that boat. Should be alot of trouble free hours of fun for sure.