Z200 Still cant prop it right
 

More questions please. I have a 96 Z200LE with a 5.7 2 bbl and an Alpha one 1.62 it says. Current prop is a MW rapture 19. Top speed when lightly loaded and perfect conditions is 50 at 5000rpms. I would think this pig should go faster with only 175 hours on the motor? I tried a 4 blade apollo 21 and only got 4100 rpm,s and 41 mph. Then tried a 3 blade ballistic 21 and was able to get 47 at 4700 rpms. My next thought was a Stiletto baypro 20 4 blade. Or would I be better off going with a different 19?
Thanks

Re: Z200 Still cant prop it right
 

Hi mikesnowman

I am afraid that you are asking to much of your 5.7. You just don't have the horses to do more than you are already getting. With your gear ratio and a 19" prop you can only expect about 50 or a touch over at the best of times.

Re: Z200 Still cant prop it right
 

Your boat with that configuration is only rated at 50-56mph. Plus it weighs in at around 2600-2800 lbs. And thats at sea level. What's the elevation that your usually running at?
Jarwiebe is right on the money.
BTW , you will actually loose topend with a 4 blade prop, and you need to keep that puppy in the 4400-4800 rpm range or it is gonna tear itself up sooner or later.
A 4bbl intake/carb would improve it a little , but is the cost worth a couple mph?
I think I would have the Rapture prop repitched to a 20 and leave it alone.

Larry

Re: Z200 Still cant prop it right
 

Agreed and also note that 5000 rpm is too high for that engine. Recommended range is 4400-4800 at WOT so running at WOT for any length of time not only burns lots of fuel it wears the engine out quickly. IF you can find a 3 blade- 20" or have your existing prop repitched that might help a bit. Another option to consider though is the High 5 prop in a 21" pitch. There are a few members here with that prop and all have spoken highly of it. It is $$$ though. Personally i would spend less time worrying about how fast i can make it go and spend a little more time getting good low end and mid-range punch which gives far more control when towing wakeboarders/tubers/skiiers.....and it impresses the hell out of people when they get sucked back into their seats while you are accelerating. :)

Re: Z200 Still cant prop it right
 

Ditto Mikey!! :)

Re: Z200 Still cant prop it right
 

The highfive is an awesome prop, but not built for speed..... They are built for extra "bite" when planing or towing. The extra blades actually add drag and reduce speed. If you wanna get top speed out of it, stick with the 3 blade. As Mikey said, 5000 is a little too high for your engine. The ideal prop for you will leave your RPM's at 4800. once it starts dropping down out of the recommended range, your pitch is too high and bogging your engine down. My suggestion is stick with the 3 blade that you have, MAYBE have it re-pitched to a 20" and leave it alone. You may get an extra mph or 2 out of a different "style" prop, but is it really worth 400-600 bucks for 1 or 2 mph?