What kind of speed should I expect?

[Budweiser]

I have an 18'6" gull wing/flat bottom. 396 BBC, probably around 400HP (give or take 25HP), unknown gears in the Casale, and a 12x16(x2) 3 blade bronze prop by "JP". I guess I'm just curious what I should expect once I get the engine put back together. It's a new boat to me. I'd be completely satisfied with 70+ for the time being. Anybody have a comparable set-up? or idea?
http://***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40855&d=1192029074

[superdave013]

That boat would do at least 110 MPH on E Bay. :D

[Moneypitt]

That boat would do at least 110 MPH on E Bay. :D
110?......With those unknown gears it should see at least 125/135, depending on which unknown prop he is using.........MP

[charitycase]

Shouldn't these kind of numbers be in Just Jets?

[Running_on_Empty]

I think at 88mph you might end up going back in time

[QuickJet]

72.3 mph

[Billdoe]

hey Seth i left you a message last night i talked to rick bout the Block and he wants 150 for a 396 block thats in good shape bored either 30 or 60 over and i just got my engine kit so when it comes time to put the motor back together i have a head set can use on it ... last night i bought a 66 El Camino and i decided to sell my boat minus the motor for 2000 obo and im gonna build the 454 i have and put in the camino with a 5 speed manual :) .anyway im thinking you should have around a 65-75 mph boat once we get it runnin and your probably running either 12 or 15 gears in the Casale . maybe i'll borrow the bearing puller from rick next time i come down and we'll pull the bearing and see if the gears are marked what ratio it is but im betting with that motor it was either a 12 or 15 gear .. which is about what you want for that motor .. let me know if ya want that block from rick and i can pick it up and bring it down some time . talk to you later bud

[WishIknew]

GET RID OF THE 396 get 454 or 502 dont waste time and good money like i do:D :D and i bet the 396 is about 325 hp no trying to bag just saving money...

[dmontzsta]

I am going to guess somewhere in the high 60s.

[adjones419]

65-68 mph

[QuickJet]

I know of a 468 with 650hp for CHEAP!! Wayyyyyy CHEAP!!
Anyways..........................let me know ;)

[V-DRIVE VIDEO]

I am going to guess somewhere in the high 60s.
For the first time in my life I actually agree with the wizzer....:)

[Wildchild80]

The trailer looks sound I will bet she will do 100 behind a Dura Max with a chip

[pw_Tony]

Got any pics of the front or from the side?

[dmontzsta]

For the first time in my life I actually agree with the wizzer....:)
We both agreed my STI destroyed your civic, right? :devil:

[dmontzsta]

The trailer looks sound I will bet she will do 100 behind a Dura Max with a chip
Kim Hanson would be willing to sit in the boat and gps it, all we need now is a duramax with a chip and we can find out. :)

[3 daytona`s]

Got any pics of the front or from the side?
:idea:

[superdave013]

The trailer looks sound I will bet she will do 100 behind a Dura Max with a chip
do you think he could get away with a 3/4 race chip?

[pw_Tony]

Just never seen a v-drive gullwing before.... interested of some front pics

[Budweiser]

72.3 mph
Random guess? Or do you have a formula you used to arive at such an exact number? Numbers like that make me think we should start a wager/pool for the closest guesstimate.
GET RID OF THE 396 get 454 or 502 dont waste time and good money like i do:D :D and i bet the 396 is about 325 hp no trying to bag just saving money...
I agree, my block is junk and I'm interested in the lowest $$$ solution at the moment. So, unless you've got one for the cause... looks like I'm sticking with the 396 for a bit. And a stock 396 (1969) is rated at 375HP.
I am going to guess somewhere in the high 60s.
69 is a great number! Even makes my mouth water.
Just never seen a v-drive gullwing before.... interested of some front pics
http://***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40854&d=1192029059
http://***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40856&d=1192029090
http://***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40857&d=1192029105

[QuickJet]

Random guess? Or do you have a formula you used to arive at such an exact number? Numbers like that make me think we should start a wager/pool for the closest guesstimate.
Nope, I was just guessing what the average estimate was going to be.
The average estimate right now is 69.71
. And a stock 396 (1969) is rated at 375HP.]
A 375 hp 396 is a very rare square port headed 396 only available in SS cars and Corvettes. Yours is most likely the 325 hp oval port small valve configuration. If you pull the valve cover and the heads say truck on them then you are probably a tick below 300. Add engine wear and tear over the years and your actual HP drops considerably.
If you have a true 375 horse 396 you should sell it to a Chevelle/ Corvette guy for big bucks and buy some power.

[QuickJet]

That's a cool looking hull. I'd get rid of the Edelbrock carb and find out what gears are in it.

[Jim W]

Seth,
I have a set up pretty close to yours.
Hallett flatty with a 396, 10-1 comp, rectangle iron heads but with a tunnel ram, a 2 blade prop and if I remember right 1.12 gears.
GPS's out at 69 MPH.
The comments above are correct. Cubic inches are your friends.
You could go to a 427 with a simple crank swap or 454 with a crank and some grinding on the block for cheap HP.
I have a Edelbrock RPM air gap with Demon carb and a brand new solid lifter cam kit from Clay Smith Cams which would be perfect for a 396-427. PM me if interested in any of it.
Believe me, with that 396, after 2-3 times out in your boat it will leave you wishing for more. Dont waste your time or money on it. And it's pretty embarassing when a jet ski with 2 people on it whizzes past ya......espeically when they both wave.:eek:
Be good, Jim

[Moneypitt]

Seth,
The comments above are correct. Cubic inches are your friends.
You could go to a 427 with a simple crank swap or 454 with a crank and some grinding on the block for cheap HP.
Be good, Jim
Jim, could you explain this part in a little more detail?........He already has a 3.760 crank, and that block aint gonna make it out to 4.250......I could see 408, or 434, but the latter is a piss poor bore to stroke ratio........IMO, he should leave the 396 as is, play with the boat, learn how the boat handles, and keep an eye out for a good deal on more HP down the road. Also, IMO, 12s will destroy that 396 in minutes, not hours.......
And I agree about the 325 HP version. The 375 HP had the rec heads and solid cam, and I think a Holley on an aluminum intake........MP

[Billdoe]

well as for the motor i was there to help tear it apart with him it has the Oval 049 heads on it . it does have a Solid lifter cam in it and the pistons are about a 1/2 inch pop ups in it so its not a stock motor someone has built the motor to what it is. its also already a 30 over block just on 2 pistons the wrist pin wore into the side of the block scarring the cylinder and this is how we figured water is getting in the motor musta cracked the cylinder wall so this is why just looking for a cheap way to get him on the water again with out braking the bank doing it ..

[Moneypitt]

well as for the motor i was there to help tear it apart with him it has the Oval 049 heads on it . it does have a Solid lifter cam in it and the pistons are about a 1/2 inch pop ups in it so its not a stock motor someone has built the motor to what it is. its also already a 30 over block just on 2 pistons the wrist pin wore into the side of the block scarring the cylinder and this is how we figured water is getting in the motor musta cracked the cylinder wall so this is why just looking for a cheap way to get him on the water again with out braking the bank doing it ..
If you just want a .030 over 396 block find any ol 402....Finding a less than +.030 396 block will be tough......BTW, the snap rings need to have the flat side out............And, I've got a couple of 402 blocks....reasonable.....MP

[Jim W]

Moneypit,
you are right. I started typing, got distracted, came back and had a brain fart then finished up my thinking all wrong.....My bad.
I still say he will get bored real quick with a 396. I sure did.....
Be good, Jim

[QuickJet]

well as for the motor i was there to help tear it apart with him it has the Oval 049 heads on it . it does have a Solid lifter cam in it and the pistons are about a 1/2 inch pop ups in it so its not a stock motor someone has built the motor to what it is. its also already a 30 over block just on 2 pistons the wrist pin wore into the side of the block scarring the cylinder and this is how we figured water is getting in the motor musta cracked the cylinder wall so this is why just looking for a cheap way to get him on the water again with out braking the bank doing it ..
On craigslist yu can find 454 suburbans anywhere from 500-800 bucks RUNNING!
I'd yank a burb engine and bolt on the 049's, cam etc and put it on the water. Upgrading some cubes can be done pretty cheap.
What's the budget at this point?

[QuickJet]

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/456311976.html

[Budweiser]

Again, I completely agree, bigger engine = better. The suburban idea is great, I could even part it out for a month before letting the salvage yard take it. Financially, it will probably be another month before I'm able to assign a Dollar amount to the project. Thanks for the Craig's list link... now that's what I'm talking about.
Other than that stuff, I just don't get why 400HP is so unattainable in a 396. Edelbrock has a performer RPM kit for a 383 small block putting out 464hp at 6000rpm. I was thinking 400 was a conservative number for a mild 396. Am I missing something:confused:
Engine size aside, what are some typical HP levels needed to achieve 70, 80, 90, 100, and more MPH? Is it like 400=70, 500=80, and so on? I'm guessing 600 would be more than enough to hit 100..?

[Budweiser]

Seth,
I have a set up pretty close to yours.
Hallett flatty with a 396, 10-1 comp, rectangle iron heads but with a tunnel ram, a 2 blade prop and if I remember right 1.12 gears.
GPS's out at 69 MPH.
What is the rpm at that speed? What prop dimensions? Any pics?
As always, thanks for your help guys.

[Budweiser]

Also, IMO, 12s will destroy that 396 in minutes, not hours.......
Can you explain this to me. Over rev???

[Moneypitt]

Can you explain this to me. Over rev???
Yep, you got that one right. As far as a "burb" engine, the same thing applies. If you're looking for a replacement engine for your grocery getter your options are endless....Not so for a boat, there is no free lunch when it comes to boat engines, period. If you can't do it right, wait until you can, or you may as well flush "shortcut" money down the toilet......Don't take the "burb" motor too far from the ramp, cause you'll be stroking it back.........MP

[QuickJet]

Yep, you got that one right. As far as a "burb" engine, the same thing applies. If you're looking for a replacement engine for your grocery getter your options are endless....Not so for a boat, there is no free lunch when it comes to boat engines, period. If you can't do it right, wait until you can, or you may as well flush "shortcut" money down the toilet......Don't take the "burb" motor too far from the ramp, cause you'll be stroking it back.........MP
Dang, my last "burb" motor went for 4 years and 94 mph. I see your point for going really fast with one, but 75-80 mph in an old flat should be just fine.

[PE 316]

Can you explain this to me. Over rev???
Budweiser,
Here is the combination in my '67 Sanger Flat set-up as a "SKI" boat (motor way too far back) and with Hall-Craft BRONZE 10* strut :jawdrop:
414c.i.d. (.060" over 402 - 4.185 bore) Big-Block Chevrolet
3.76" Forged Steel Chevrolet Crank
Arias 9.5:1 Forged Pistons ("open" chamber)
Crower Steel Billet Rods (Part# B91911B) 6.316" Length
Comp Cams Roller Camshaft (Lift: .640" int / .647" exh - Duration: 273* int / 279* exh)
Cast-Iron Chevy (Casting# 14096188 - rectangular port, open chamber) cylinder heads with mild port-work Manley "Severe-Duty" valves: 2.25" int / 1.88" exh - Comp Cams (Part# 944) valve springs - Comp Cams (Part# 866) Endure-X roller lifters - Comp Cams (Part# 7954-16) 3/8" (.080" wall) one-piece pushrods
Kinsler "Stack" fuel injection system
Vertex OAC magneto
Aero-Marine 12* v-drive (1.12% gears)
10 3/4" X 15 "Precision" (Tom Black) Steel, 2-blade Prop
I've run this combination HARD for three years (as high as 5,900 RPM - GPS'd @ 78 MPH) with no parts reliability problems whatsover.
This combination is more than respectable for what I'm primarily using it for - Towing the kids around the lake and having fun, coupled with never having to take the valve covers off in three years now (save for "backing-off" the lifters during the winter months)

[Michael2000]

Other than that stuff, I just don't get why 400HP is so unattainable in a 396. Edelbrock has a performer RPM kit for a 383 small block putting out 464hp at 6000rpm. I was thinking 400 was a conservative number for a mild 396. Am I missing something:confused:
Bunch of reasons. The heads don't flow all that well. The engine has cast internals, so you won't get a reliable 6000 rpm out of it. Finally, I would be skeptical of that 464 hp number they are throwing around. The aftermarket is notorious for inflating horsepower figures.
Michael

[V-DRIVE VIDEO]

Again, I completely agree, bigger engine = better. The suburban idea is great, I could even part it out for a month before letting the salvage yard take it. Financially, it will probably be another month before I'm able to assign a Dollar amount to the project. Thanks for the Craig's list link... now that's what I'm talking about.
Other than that stuff, I just don't get why 400HP is so unattainable in a 396. Edelbrock has a performer RPM kit for a 383 small block putting out 464hp at 6000rpm. I was thinking 400 was a conservative number for a mild 396. Am I missing something:confused:
Engine size aside, what are some typical HP levels needed to achieve 70, 80, 90, 100, and more MPH? Is it like 400=70, 500=80, and so on? I'm guessing 600 would be more than enough to hit 100..?
400 hp is easily attainable with a 396. Don't assume that all engines are the same based on cubic inches alone.

[V-DRIVE VIDEO]

Call this guy. He can answer all your questions.
(909) 628-0215 His name is Rick (aka Mouzer Jr.) :D
http://www.v-drivevideo.com/jerrysgallery/albums/userpics/normal_DSC03494.JPG

[ol guy]

Don't under estimate a 396. It is a de-stroked 454 and if cheby can get 425 h/p out of it and Don Nicholson can use them in a early pro stock, can't be all bad. for the weight of the older boats and a budjet its a econo toy and put a real carb and go have fun. Just consider it a small block with an attitude. LOL

[Budweiser]

Bunch of reasons. The heads don't flow all that well. The engine has cast internals, so you won't get a reliable 6000 rpm out of it. Finally, I would be skeptical of that 464 hp number they are throwing around. The aftermarket is notorious for inflating horsepower figures.
Michael
Michael Michael Michael... Those are some really lame excuses.
There's a saying that goes something like; There are two kinds of people in the world... Those that say "it can't be done" and those who say "how can it be done" I like to be, and be around, the "how can it be done" people in the world. There are many of them here on the boards.
Bunch of reasons. The heads don't flow all that well.
Article in Chevy High Performance Magazine (http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/80341_affordable_chevrolet_small_block/)
"...Big-block heads have larger ports, the valves are larger, and flow is far superior. Over the years, CHP has performed more than 60 small- and big-block cylinder head flow tests. If you will accept the fact that higher flow bench numbers virtually guarantee more power, then it dosn't’t take long to figure out that even a stone-stock, oval-port Rat head from an ancient 396 can flow more air than most hot aftermarket small-block heads.
For example, a stock production 049 oval port big-block iron head with stock valves starts life with a 253cc intake port and flows 232 cfm at 0.400-inch and 250 cfm at 0.500-inch valve lifts. "
The flow numbers for the heads used in the Edelbrock package are:
223cfm@0.400 and 252cfm@0.500
and can be referenced here...
Edelbrock Flow Data (http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/heads/pdf/flow_data.pdf)
(but, like you said, maybe those numbers are inflated too...I tend to doubt it myself)
Bunch of reasons...The engine has cast internals, so you won't get a reliable 6000 rpm out of it.
http://www.mortec.com (http://www.mortec.com/cranks.htm)
Out of the 9 part numbers listed for a 396 crankshaft, only two are cast... all others are forged. Unless I'm mistaken (I often am), chances are a 396 crankshaft is going to be forged. And it seems to me that a 396 having the shortest stroke for a big block would have the lowest piston speed for any given RPM, therefore the most reliable at high RPM. Even a factory stock L78 was rated "Horsepower @ rpm: 375 @ 5600" only 400rpm under what you say would not be reliable.
Bunch of reasons...I would be skeptical of that 464 hp number they are throwing around.
There are so many 500+HP small block build articles in the magazines, I could fill 20 or more lines with links. I have no doubt Edelbrocks numbers are attainable. Skeptical="can't be done" mentality
Bunch of reasons...The aftermarket is notorious for inflating horsepower figures.
It seems the only thing inflated is the amount of BS you spilled into this thread.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Michael, you may sit down now. :sqeyes: :220v: :eek:

[Moneypitt]

Don't under estimate a 396. It is a de-stroked 454 and if cheby can get 425 h/p out of it and Don Nicholson can use them in a early pro stock, can't be all bad. for the weight of the older boats and a budjet its a econo toy and put a real carb and go have fun. Just consider it a small block with an attitude. LOL
A 427 is a de stroked 454.......a 396 has a much smaller bore to stroke ratio......MP

[Moneypitt]

Dang, my last "burb" motor went for 4 years and 94 mph. I see your point for going really fast with one, but 75-80 mph in an old flat should be just fine.
Do you feel this motor was an exception, or a standard rule of results? I personally would have to see it to believe it. My doubts arise from last weekend at the enduro. Alot of very nice hardware was stressed beyond it's limits. Limits which you say your burb motor would've survived???.....MP

[Budweiser]

Budweiser,
Here is the combination in my '67 Sanger Flat set-up as a "SKI" boat (motor way too far back) and with BRONZE 12* strut :jawdrop:
415c.i.d. (.060" over 402) Big-Block Chevrolet
3.76" Forged Steel Chevrolet Crank
Arias 9.5:1 Forged Pistons ("open" chamber)
6.316" Crower Steel Billet Rods
Comp Cams Roller Camshaft (specs. to follow)
Cast-Iron Chevy (rectangular port, open chamber) cylinder heads with mild port-work
Kinsler "Stack" fuel injection system
Aero-Marine 12* v-drive (1.12% gears)
10 3/4" X 15 "Precision" (Tom Black) Steel, 2-blade Prop
I've run this combination HARD for three years (as high as 5,900 RPM - GPS'd @ 78 MPH) with no parts reliability problems whatsover.
This combination is more than respectable for what I'm primarily using it for - Towing the kids around the lake and having fun, coupled with never having to take the valve covers off in three years now (save for "backing-off" the lifters during the winter months)
Thank you PE316, finally some numbers I can work with.
I put you're figures into a boat performance analyzer PropAnalyzer (http://www.boatramp.com/prop_applet/PropAnalyzerAppletG.html) and it's saying you have 19% prop slip. Guys, is this typical? I'm guessing it's due either to the small (10 3/4") prop diameter, or maybe the drive actually has differant gears.
I totally agree, I'd be happy with high 70's too. Especially given the primary usage. Maybe after gettin passed by Billdoe a few times I'll change my mind:)

[WishIknew]

Nope, I was just guessing what the average estimate was going to be.
The average estimate right now is 69.71
A 375 hp 396 is a very rare square port headed 396 only available in SS cars and Corvettes. Yours is most likely the 325 hp oval port small valve configuration. If you pull the valve cover and the heads say truck on them then you are probably a tick below 300. Add engine wear and tear over the years and your actual HP drops considerably.
If you have a true 375 horse 396 you should sell it to a Chevelle/ Corvette guy for big bucks and buy some power.
Thank you!!!! If you have a 375hp 396 = big bucks

[QuickJet]

Do you feel this motor was an exception, or a standard rule of results? I personally would have to see it to believe it. My doubts arise from last weekend at the enduro. Alot of very nice hardware was stressed beyond it's limits. Limits which you say your burb motor would've survived???.....MP
I'm not saying take a burb motor and go run the enduro. I'm saying that you can take a burb motor and run it in a 75-80 mph jet/flattie. I did it, HaulinAss did it (and is still doing it) and so did Colechillin. All 3 motors were basic burb buildups. Will they last forever......no, but they will give a few seasons of enjoyment at a reasonable price.

[Budweiser]

I just went out to the boat and marked the drive and prop shafts to see what the gears are. I pretty sure they're 1.20 or 1.22's.
So, let's see here... 16"pitch... 0.83 gear (1 devided by 1.2)... 20% prop slip... 70MPH... PropAnalyzer (http://www.boatramp.com/prop_applet/PropAnalyzerAppletG.html)
and... 4800RPM???
Anyone have a diesel they want to sell for cheep:D I was thinking I'd want to have Max RPM closser to 6000, what's the first to adjust? gears, prop, or my calculations?

[superdave013]

they won't be 20's. will either be 18's or 22's. The 18's might work out what you are doing. Don't change anything until you run it once.
As far as engine this or that I say run what you've got for cheep. If and when you want to go fast and be a hero you'll want a racier hull anyway. Have fun with it. it's a cool looking boat.

[River Rat 005]

I got a .030 over 454. 2 bolt main cast crank, stock rods, iron heads. Only good part are the TRW forged pistons. In a jet boat. Turned 5800 rpm. Ran it 10 years, drag raced it the last 4. No problems.

[Billdoe]

this was on Craigslist a few days ago . something like this would be a good idea . put your cam and heads on this motor and run it . be alot easier and cheaper then trying to fix yours or find another 396 to swap your parts into . now if you go the route of getting a car / truck BBC motor and you get it fresh out of a Vehicle i will buy all the Brackets off you and help you buy the motor . cause im gonna stick a 454 in the 66 El Camino and i have No Brackets to mount anything so if that works for you works for me
454 chevy runs good - $400 out of a 3/4 ton 79 chevy thats also getting parted out, if interested please give John a call at (916)752-2141 ty.
Chevy 454 Engine and sm465 trans - $500
Good running engine and trans complete still in truck to hear run.Call Chris at 916 223-4196 thanks
CHEVY BIG BLOCK 454 - $550
1985 CHEVY BIG BLOCK 454, low miles. Hear it run - still in truck. Will remove at time of sale. Complete engine with accessories. Call Kurt for more information at 209-419-0971 or email kurtkramer@volcano.net
i have a 454 Big block out of a 74 chevy truck and turbo 400 tranny for sale,they need to be rebuilt 400$ for both name is phillip you can reach me at 916-688-3483

[ol guy]

Moneypitt. Didn't want to get into a bore and stroke match, Just trying to tell the guy on a budget he can get alot of power AND RPM out of a 396. Let me think??????????????????? Short stroke and small Cubes in a flat that will only go fast on the top. And with a traditional flat that will be a real ride above 90 mph A 396 will produce alot of top-end speed at higher rpm and that motor was built by those guy's to do that. Large bore for a big block in that age and a VERY short stroke.The combo is close to a 400 inch small block but because of rod length and pin location the 400 never worked real well. The 396 however did very well for those who actually new how to build a motor and make power where needed.

[CircleJerk]

These all have in common a short stroke crank with different bores. Why do you guys all pick on small cubic inch motors or those with small boat budget?! I have raced (due to budget restraints) small inch bbcs for 9 years now and that racing included drags and circle and cruising fast.
Sir, you have one of the best oval port open chamber heads PERIOD! A little valve work and mild porting and these heads really run. If you can determine where the water leak is, maybe a sleeve may be the inexpensive solution. Pressure test the block if the crack isnt detected by eye. Try to fix this block first. If you have a 1/2 inch or .585 dome, you have about 12-1 comp. With these heads about 11-1 depending. Just right! TRW pistons work fine!
12 gears are FINE, 15s or 18s are better and our 406 turns 6000-6500 with ease running in the high 70s and low 80s. There are three boats up here running this combination with the fastest (86mph) running 990 square-open heads and a roller. Dont give up so easy! V-drive Video also had a good 396 running for years now (I think). Notice how I never mentioned horsepower figures, it dont matter, just get her wet and enjoy! Neat boat!
EVERY 454-509 big bore stroke combination racing Northwest style Nostalgia has either exploded violently or limped in with a lot less crankcase oil. Dozens of them.. This is not to say big ones wont last and little ones will but in my opinion they should never be kicked to the far side of the garden shed! I cant afford to and maybe you cant as well. You might go the the Gear heads section to avoid being slammed by the other well meaning jerks.

[FlatRat]

Jerk,
not all of the "big inchers" blow up.If you recall last year at Newport...I went around all the "short stokers" on the outside like they were going backwards...I just had a small problem making the corner.This years bearing issue was all my doin':sleeping: ....It was good to see you and Robin last weekend...

[Moneypitt]

Yes, I actually am agreeing with you. The 396 can be a killer combination in the right application. Quick and high winding with plenty of torque. It appears the "burb" motor is the boat motor of the future, used 454 short block with cast pistons and crank, with 396 pieces installed here and there......Although no one has really said what, if anything, was done to their "burb" success stories. I know I can count the "throw together" boat engine success stories on one hand, or 1/2 of a hand, and the dismal failures would take a short book to list......MP

[Budweiser]

Engine shmengine, who cares. I'm going to continue to assume I'll have around 400HP. The actual, exact, and precise number doesn't matter... it will never see a dyno. So, 396, 454, 632, flippin Gas Turbine... I don't care. Let's just assume it's 400HP.
Everyone on the same page now? Good.
What speed can I expect?

[Budweiser]

12 gears are FINE, 15s or 18s are better and our 406 turns 6000-6500 with ease running in the high 70s and low 80s... ...just get her wet and enjoy! Neat boat!
What are your prop dimensions? And I can't wait to get her out on the water, #1 priority is to enjoy it. Thanks for the encouragement CJ.

[CircleJerk]

Jerk,
not all of the "big inchers" blow up.If you recall last year at Newport...I went around all the "short stokers" on the outside like they were going backwards...I just had a small problem making the corner.This years bearing issue was all my doin':sleeping: ....It was good to see you and Robin last weekend...
Dude, reread my post, I said,,"Either exploded or LIMPED in with less oil!" Did you NOT use a few rags after your HOTlap race??Now be honest, you were one of the lucky ones who knew when it was time to head to the spectator stands. Good decision, but my statement stands correct! I think the basic problem was turning a big motor beyond its torque range, or somtin like that! rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrsssss jErK, be quiet, yours is still running,,,,for now.

[CircleJerk]

What are your prop dimensions? And I can't wait to get her out on the water, #1 priority is to enjoy it. Thanks for the encouragement CJ.
This is the mystery you must solve through lots of testing. No one here recognizes your hull adequately to guess prop dimentions and even if they could, you still gotta guess and test, guess and test, etc. My boats like a small diameter under 11" and 15 pitch 2 blades (Menkins, D&J, Cary, or Gibbs). You'll need to beg, borrow and sometimes steal (buy) your buddies props until you discover which one works the best. Then, you can gear to adjust running rpm. Each gear step change will add or subtract rpm. Three blades are usually for skiing-cruising where a 2 blade should provide the best speed with the potential of vibrating more.
This information came from Jim Wilkes v-drive column in Hot Boat mags of the past and is generally accepted by most.
#1 priority is be safe and check every bolt and set screw starting from the front and work your way back, then the enjoyment and pride is realized..... Read all the tech postings here and v-drive.com

[FlatRat]

Dude, reread my post, I said,,"Either exploded or LIMPED in with less oil!" Did you NOT use a few rags after your HOTlap race??Now be honest, you were one of the lucky ones who knew when it was time to head to the spectator stands. Good decision, but my statement stands correct! I think the basic problem was turning a big motor beyond its torque range, or somtin like that! rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrsssss jErK, be quiet, yours is still running,,,,for now.
Jerk,
wondered what what took so long....yes oily rags all around...it only spins 6500...or spun 6500 I should say.I still say my ol' cast crank,stock rods,10:01,990 ironheaded truck mota...witha little hep from Mr.Hilborn whooped up on the 13:01 427 of last years champ...c'mon:D :D :D...I did not limp in .... turd place with no oil press. no mains

[Billdoe]

hey Seth were going out again this sunday to Comanche Lake if you want to go let me know i left a message on your phone also .. if ya do go i want you to bring your GPS so i can get an idea how fast the boat is .. i also cut a 1/2 inch off the prop so i can get the RPM's up in the low 7000's instead of 6800 so it should be alil faster this time out . also my buddy who has a Gullwing bottom boat is also gonna go this time so it wont be just me going out .. anyway ill be at ricks helping him paint his boat in the morning then around Noon were gonna head out so let me know if you wanna go . Bill

[Budweiser]

So, the consensus seems to be in the 65 to 75 range. At the moment I think that will work for me. I've been out on Billdoe's flat a couple times and it's definitely a handful. Completely new experience for me. A couple weeks ago I went to Hookey Day with the Delta Lunch Bunch and had the opportunity to ride in Big John's 26' Ultimate Warlock at 120MPH (according to the GPS spedo)... I'll tell ya, in my short experience with performance boats, 70 or 80MPH in a flat is waaaaay more intense than 120mph in a big heavy tunnel boat. So, for the time being I'm just going to get this thing on the water and have some fun with it. Thanks for all the input you guys.

[Running_on_Empty]

In my opinion...you really need to look at what your going to do with the boat. I assume lake rod and for skiing. That is the type of boat I'm putting together now. I bought the boat with no motor, so I had to find one. I ended up with a complete 454 gen 4 with 049 heads that my machine shop guy had laying around. I went with the 454 because I had to have a motor and my dad said that the bigger blocks were ideal because of the torque they produced. If I was in your situation with a running 396 I'd let ride till it blew up. I bought my never rebuilt 454 for 300 bucks. 100 to bore it to a 468. 50 bucks to hot tank it. I went with 2.14 intakes and 1.88 stainless valves wich were bigger than stock..valves on ebay N-4 steel valves brand new for 80 dollars.....head work was about 175 bucks. I bought a quality rebiuld kit of ebay that usually books for around 400 dollars for 300 brand new. I'm sticking with a single carb....probably 750 demon. I bought a comp cam and lifters with pushrods brand new in a sealed box for 175 shipped to my door. So right now I'm assembling the engine and I've got about 1200 dollars in my engine, minus the carb,timing chain cover, water pump, intake, oil pan, valve covers, harmonic balancer, and firberglass scoop (totalling an additional $730) which I think people would agree; isn't too bad, but I'm probably lucky to get 400-425 horses out of that I would imagine. My point is: Run the boat till it breaks, unless you have an extra 2g's lying around to spend on it to get the extra 75-100 horses.

[Running_on_Empty]

I also ran 9:5:1 pistons, so I could run pump gas.....can't for get about the gas in a high compression engine....I wouldn't even want to know what that costs

[Church Mouse]

I'm paying about 8 bucks a gallon for 110 octane

[Running_on_Empty]

that doesn't sound like very much fun.

[Church Mouse]

Thats the only way you can get a 13to1 motor to last, but believe me it's worth every cent, I just completed my 4th summer on this motor and I hammer the hell out of it, take it easy, Chris

[Billdoe]

yeah thats bout the going rate for 110 i also have a 13to1 motor and pay 7.79 a gallon or 350 for a 55 gallon barrel . its not cheap but when ya have around 14K in your motor im not takin no short cuts and waste a motor . i hear in the lil town of Sheldon between Lincoln and wheatland its even cheaper by the gallon but unless im going to CFW thats a long drive to save a few bucks tho..