2 inch drive spacer

[dogschool]

No, I think that's just the prop name Bravo II - his outdrive says Bravo X.
What gains could be expected from the labbed prop by itself? Sounds like
I'd have to gamble with that since finding one to borrow that would match
the specifications for my boat won't happen - I am a little gun shy due to
the fact I was unhappy with the results of that 24p 4 blade.

 

[vinny p.]

I have a Throttle-Up labbed 26" B-1, that was done for my 259. If you want to try it, maybe we can work out a deal. I dont think I have a hub that would work on a standard B-1 drive with the small prop shaft. I would have to look around. I used that prop with a basically stock 454 Magnum. I was able to spin it to 4950 rpm @ 65 mph gps. That produced a slip of 14%. Not bad for a labbed 4 blade. Remember, your slip will increase with a labbed prop. It is my back up prop, in case of a catastrophy. I never use it anymore as a main prop. In fact, I havent used it at all, since I upgraded to my current engine package.
I was thinking of trying something else this season, possible making my current prop, my new back up. Throttle-Up may be coming out with a new CNC prop that would work for me. Hopefully, soon it will be released.

 

[smallblockford]

still agree with everyone, i am not from hydromotive nor do i know how they work on your boat but i know they are from ohio and will meet you in west branch in ohio and let you test a few props. they got me a good prop on my hydro and offered to let me test but i couldnt they got it done though, there are some other good shops out there but like vinny and everyone said it depends on boat and you gotta watch you can get props thinned out with lighter boats and that may help but not for you, props are a science and i have been in this business since i was 7 yrs old it can really come down to trial and error not a theory or calculation all thought vinny ps formula is 100 percent correct and i agree with both lakeside and vinny, sometimes you have to try it instead of doing calculations. speed is not cheep you will pay one way or another be glad these guys are telling it the way it is.

 

[smallblockford]

by the way what ever shop you go to for props let them show you the pitch you have on the prop you have it will be like this oh you have a 23 pitch first blade will come out about 22, second blade 23.5, and the third 23. that is a production prop. a labed prop it true. second not all props are the same progressive pitch, rake , diamater. grade of stainless, better the thinner you can go also lighter boat the thinner. see if they will let you try one at west branch i am not sure how good they are with larger checkmates at hydromotive but i have some faith, and i am sure there are some other good shops out there.

get more boat out of the water and you will run faster

 

[dogschool]

Hey vinny let me know if you find a hub for that prop to fit my B-1, I'd be interested in working something out to give it a try. Thanks!

smallblockford, good info! Very helpful. Thanks to all that responded to
this thread with pertinent information - much appreciated!

 

[dogschool]

I have been spreading some greenies around, seems I'm not getting any back! Come on now fellas, show the dog some love

 

[vinny p.]

Next chance I get, I will look around for a small shaft prop hub.

 

[bigsbetter]

what kind of hub does that take vinny?

 

[cvx16cvx]

Stern Jack

On my 21' Enchanter with the stock Merc 260 hp small block with an alpha 1, I had the same idea you had "cheap speed"! First I changed the air cleaner to a high flow marine K&N $100 , rebuilt the stock quadrajet $150, added a MSD ignition set up $500 , then I added a set of Stainlees Marine HiFlow exhaust thru the transom. I got them used off ebay an awesome deal at $850. What a difference, weight reduction and flow I gained a little but baot just moved better. I rebuilt my lower unit all Merc parts was running a Merc Mirage 23' prop. Boat was topping out at 4800 rpm about 67-68 mph gps. I then added a land and Sea stern jack rebuilt the upper unit to super duty specs and on GPS I achieved 70-71 mph. Stern Jack used was $900. I really liked what the stern jack did for me , the weight reduction of the Stainless marine exhaust vs. stock cast iron made up for the weigth gain of the stern jack. I spent about $3000 to gain about 5mph in a small block 21' boat. I planned on adding a 383 engine but sold the boat. Now I am working on a
22' Vision with a 454 Magnum with the bravo drive. I am looking to go 75-80 mph. Ohhh the quest for speed! I ahve already bought a Bravo stern jack. God Luck I loved the results from the stern jack!

 

[ezstriper]

Hey not pirate this but where did you find a stern jack ? I know land and sea no longer make them ?? Thanks Rob

 

[vinny p.]

what kind of hub does that take vinny?

Hey Charlie,

Nothing special, just a standard Bravo hub. Its just that I dont use that type anymore. The Imco lower I am running, uses 1 1/4" prop shaft, like the XR drives. Dogschool, has a standard Bravo, which uses a smaller propshaft.

Dogschool,

I did find the correct hub for that prop and your drive.

 

[SneakyPete]

Vinny is being modest whem he says 82-85mph, we saw 86 on gps last season. I would be very surprised if you pick up speed by going longer. I am going to try to find an article online where a guy actaully made a custom shorty alpha himself because no one makes shorty alphas.

 

[smallblockford]

if it is a flow torgue hub you guys should be able to find them all over the place i have them on the shelf about 30$

 

[dogschool]

Hey Charlie,

Nothing special, just a standard Bravo hub. Its just that I dont use that type anymore. The Imco lower I am running, uses 1 1/4" prop shaft, like the XR drives. Dogschool, has a standard Bravo, which uses a smaller propshaft.

Dogschool,

I did find the correct hub for that prop and your drive.

Thanks vinny - now the hard part, working out something for
a test run - give it some thought, as will I, and we'll go from
there. just reply on this thread or send a pm - thanks again!

 

[vinny p.]

Vinny is being modest whem he says 82-85mph, we saw 86 on gps last season.

Thanks Pete. Yes, you are right. I have seen that and a bit more, but it is unusual. That day, we had a pretty good run. If I remember, it was pretty rough going the first leg heading east, then when we went back out into the ocean, the water layed down somewhat. It was an unusual cold day, good for horsepower and we were almost out of fuel. Add all that up and we get a couple of mph for free.

 

[cvx16cvx]

?????

So I thought this was about building cheap speed, not about you guys blowing smoke up each others *ss. Cmon stick with the subject!

 

[Old Navy]

Well...............................

 

[vinny p.]

So I thought this was about building cheap speed, not about you guys blowing smoke up each others *ss. Cmon stick with the subject!

I dont smoke!! BTW, there is no such thing as cheap speed. If you have made a discovery for cheap speed, how about sharing it with us guys who spend a ton of money for speed.

 

[cvx16cvx]

Lets read it togehter

The original post was concerning how to add a few mph cheaply. Yes it can be done! I added 5 mph for about $2k

I am thinking about adding a drive spacer I've been hearing so much about, can any of my checkmate brethren offer any insight - pros/cons to doing so?
I hear it will add a couple mph - I/O 454mag in an '89 25' Convincor now tops out at 65 on gps - I am also told the spacer will improve hole shot and handling, but thats not a prob now - I am really just looking for inexpensive ways to add hp and a maybe a few mph - any advice appreciated!

 

[dogschool]

you've got my attention - tell me more - I am willing to spend
2k to gain 5 mph - what was your method?