I've got 500hp's in my boat that run fine. Barring any engine mods what would be the next bang for the buck modification??? It's a 99 model.

If you looking for increased speed, 6-7 grand should get you some shorties, those drives are deep, it get expensive chasing 2-3 mph

Why not the top end mods for your 500's? Probably the cheapest considering 2 shorties will be $6000 by the time its all said and done...

There is thread from 2-3 months ago about shorties on a 33 or shorties and extension boxes on a 33. I personally dont think just shorties will do anything great, you will need boxes too. That was the topic of the mentioned thread.

Shorties did nothing for me, raised drives with boxes did and increased ride/handling.

would taking out the lil hook in the back actually gain anything? mine is about 1/4" at the last foot near the transom.

Did ya'll do that to yall 33's.. I know Kevin (offshoreexcursion) did, but dont think I asked him that specific question before. Since it acts like a tab, seems like you could gain 1-2 with that??

its expensive to blue print & fix the bottom, if done right, I would think your money would be better spent in raising the drives, up and out like Keith mentioned, I've never ever checked the bottom of mine, low 80's is fine with me

I have had a 6 foot level all over the bottom of my boat and strakes and didnt see anything more than .030 I didnt have any hook that I could see.

so what will "blueprinting" or straightening the hull net you in speed?? anyone do just this and what net gains??

Slippery engine oil, drive oil, get the weight out, ( mainly in the front) sharpening the back edge of the hull and fiddling with the props....any more and it gets spendy

^Slippery engine and drive oil recommendations?

Amsoil...I ran 15W40 marine/diesel and 75w/90 marine gear lube in my HP500's and it netted approx. 200 rpms.