[Leonard]

Knock it off, you guys! I picked up a 97' Z198 with a 5.7L 2bbl (I think only 210 hp) and haven't even had the chance to take out yet. I'm travelling for work... Now I already want a bigger engine!

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by Leonard

Knock it off, you guys! I picked up a 97' Z198 with a 5.7L 2bbl (I think only 210 hp) and haven't even had the chance to take out yet. I'm travelling for work... Now I already want a bigger engine!

I believe the hp for the 5.7L is 250. Given the lighter weight of your 198 you should hit the mid-high 50's.

[rajjneef]

Originally Posted by mikeyt

I believe the hp for the 5.7L is 250. Given the lighter weight of your 198 you should hit the mid-high 50's.

His is a carbed 2 barrel 5.7. It's not going to hit mid 50's. I would *guess* it to be high 40's.

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by rajjneef

His is a carbed 2 barrel 5.7. It's not going to hit mid 50's. I would *guess* it to be high 40's.

Could be....i checked the brochure & it indicates 46-52mph with the 5.7. It seems a little odd considering that my 180 with the 4.3LX will hit a GPS recorded 50mph (50.1).

[rajjneef]

It almost feels like the boat speed thing lately is following the fishing tales of old. My fish was <----T H I S----> BIG!

[Wannabe]

I've got a Z202 with a 300hp Volvo. With wife and 2 kids and a full tank, we topped out at 49mph. It was plenty fast for us! The boys are very proud of their all black Shabah! So is Dad.

[Mariah350]

When I first purchased my boat, it came with a 17" aluminum prop and had a top speed of 55mph on the Dream-O-Meter. After stepping up to a LaserII 21" it went to about 57. A year later I had my Mariah Dealer add factory Through Hull exhaust which added another 2 mph which now put the speed at 59. I then found out about Synthetic lubricants and began running Amsoil gear lube and motor oil. I then added a K&N flame arrestor and got rid of the restrictive Merc arrestor. In the end I was then running about 60 on the Dream Meter. Then one day I purchased a hand held GPS and was surprised to see 53mph.

As you can see, good results in speed can be obtained by small upgrades by finding the right prop, increasing air into and out of the motor and reducing drive line friction.

I believe that the above changes gave me at least 4 to 5 mph!!

And it was a learning experience.

[Leonard]

Originally Posted by Mariah350

When I first purchased my boat, it came with a 17" aluminum prop and had a top speed of 55mph on the Dream-O-Meter. After stepping up to a LaserII 21" it went to about 57. A year later I had my Mariah Dealer add factory Through Hull exhaust which added another 2 mph which now put the speed at 59. I then found out about Synthetic lubricants and began running Amsoil gear lube and motor oil. I then added a K&N flame arrestor and got rid of the restrictive Merc arrestor. In the end I was then running about 60 on the Dream Meter. Then one day I purchased a hand held GPS and was surprised to see 53mph.

As you can see, good results in speed can be obtained by small upgrades by finding the right prop, increasing air into and out of the motor and reducing drive line friction.

I believe that the above changes gave me at least 4 to 5 mph!!

And it was a learning experience.

So what is that, about 500 bucks per mph?

[Mariah350]

Originally Posted by Leonard

So what is that, about 500 bucks per mph?

The math is a bit off.

Laser prop $300 used
Thru Hull $700
Synthetic oil changes $100
KN air filter $80

Closer to $220 per mph. It's up to the boater if performance is important or if stock is fine. Both decisions are different and valid.

Also you have to understand that each improvement has an additional benefit such as all around better performance wit the SS prop, Great performance sound with the thru hull, far superior drive line protection with the Synthetics, and increased gas milage with the increased air flow.

However, my motor rebuild was a much higher cost but went from 53 mph to 63.8 GPS. This was closer to your math but here we are involved with quality new internal parts.

You do the math

[mark43]

Thanks everyone for the great discussion!! I am headed to the lake this weekend for the first time this year......It is ridiculous that it will be July before I get the boat into the water, but that's what happens when the weather and work are always interfering with my weekend fun. As this is only my second year owing the boat, I will take my GPS and report back to everyone what my top end is. I hope everyone has a great 4th of July!!