I'm more into reliability than big numbers. Any insight into the 496 ho and specifically how well the Vyper behaves with them?

What do you mean by behaves?

I have a Vyper with HOs, great reliable package with closed cooling. Low maintenance and last 750-1000 hours. As for speed, depends on the hull, they made some changes in late 01 which really helped. For example and older hull with 500s is slower than a newer with HOs. I've had mine 79.5 in fresh water, perfect conditions, light load.

It is for sale at Pier 57. Probably the nicest Vyper out there (I may be partial).

By behaves, I'm wondering if that is the ideal setup for that hull? I am feeling the water so to speak in moving up in size. I see a couple of 34's (yours included) with the 496 ho and I'm curious what to watch for. There is another 34 with 454s and a 38 with 502s. I know they are not all apples to apples, but I like the perspective from those who have owned/ran them.

If you keep a 496 stock you will engine many years of trouble free boating. Once you start "upgrading" them without changing the pistons you have issues.

I think the biggest engine package for the Vyper were 500EFIs. I stayed away from the blue motors to avoid the valve springs and valve job expenses. But they are great engines as well.

There would be no speed comparison against the HOs with the boats you mention. They would be a lot slower.

I just picked up a 2002 with 500s ,love it

What kind of speeds do you run? What drives do you have? Is there concern with bravo ones behind 500s or 496s?

We have 500s with xr drives, test drove a 2000 with 454 mags way under powered

Back in 2000 I test drove a brand new one with 454s, like 598 said it was underpowered. Not only that our fuel load was so low that we ran out of gas on the test drive. IMO you will be much happier with the newer hull like Pwraddr has.

We recently sold a 2008 Sunsations 32ss with 496 xr drives nice package, we test drove a lot of PowerQuest from 99 to 02s. I would recommend the newer hull with at least 496s if you're looking for long-term reliability

Honestly, you won't find a cleaner 340 for the money than Keiths. He is a no expense spared, meticulous guy