I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

[gfackrell]

Hey guys,
Great forum you have here. I have browsed many many posts and gleaned much useful information.
This is my first post.
I have a 79 20 foot fiberform with the V/P 5.7 AQ200D with the 280 drive. I bought the boat a few months ago and have done the following to it:
Replace engine with a rebuilt marine engine of the same year. non vortec, 280 HP. (according to rebuilder)
New plugs, cap and rotor, new plug wires.
New Starter
New oil sending unit
All new gauges
Rebuilt the flywheel cover/replaced PDS bearings.
Rebuilt the U-joint in the upper drive.
Replaced the oil in the drive twice.

My question is this: What are going to be the most effective ways to get this boat going as fast as possible? (also what do you think is a reasonable top speed to expect)
The boat will run with a full tank of gas, two people, and a 250 lb winch in it at 4200 ft elevation. It will pull a paraglider putting roughly 100 to 200lbs of pull force on it. I don't need it to plane quickly at all. I am much more concerned with top speed. Fuel efficiency isn't as important as top speed either.
I don't mind throwing a bit of money at it, but I am mostly just looking to optimize the setup I have.
I am currently getting around 35 mph, at somewhere near 4000 rpm if my memory serves me right. I am running a 15x17 aluminum prop that is beat to hell. I ordered a Solas Amita 3 14.3 x 21 aluminum, as that was what my research showed was a good place to start with the prop. I just got the prop and will be taking it out for a test run Sunday. I just wanted to know if you guys had any suggestions of things to do/check on the engine between now and then to make sure I've got the engine running top notch. the 4000 rpm seems a bit low to me. I"m not sure if it's because the engine isn't running perfect, or because the prop is real rough and has numerous gouges out of it.
I put the original intake and 2barrel carb on my new engine, and it has a pretty hard time starting cold. once warmed up she runs pretty good. I am debating a new edelbrock performer intake and 1409 carb, as I've read they are a pretty easy carb to tune. However, I'm reading that that will only get me 20 hp or so more. For me, that might be worth it.
I'd love your opinions on how to get this boat going fast!

 

[captmello]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

I think your thinking is all wrong on this. Your engine is built to run at a certain RPM for optimal performance. If you aren't even getting to 4000rpm, you may not be getting near the good power yet. Especially with a "rebuilt" motor. I wouldn't have put that two barrel back on either. 1409 is a good carb for that motor, with a matching manifold.

Also, your prop logic is all wrong, but it spin that 17 pitch easily. You also need to use a shop tach to compare to your boat tach to make sure you're getting the right info.

How fast do you want to go?

 

[Don S]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

You also might want to get the boat weighed. It is old, and if water logged, it could weigh a lot more than it should, and no amount of engine tuning and upgrading is going to make it go fast.
You say it's hard to start cold. Do you use the throttle only, pump the throttle a time or two to prime it, then give it about 1/4 to 1/2 throttle to start? It's a carb, and many people on these forums have no clue how to start carbed engines.

You would also do yourself a big favor and ask your prop questions in the prop form. Finding the right prop is what that forum is for.
If your boat is heavy, or your engine isn't running right, prop swapping isn't the way to go.

 

[Bondo]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

I think your thinking is all wrong on this. Your engine is built to run at a certain RPM for optimal performance. If you aren't even getting to 4000rpm, you may not be getting near the good power yet. Especially with a "rebuilt" motor. I wouldn't have put that two barrel back on either. 1409 is a good carb for that motor, with a matching manifold.

Also, your prop logic is all wrong, but it spin that 17 pitch easily. You also need to use a shop tach to compare to your boat tach to make sure you're getting the right info.

How fast do you want to go?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard, 'n ditto what captmello is sayin',...

It sounds like yer motor is all tapped out spinnin' that beat up 17" prop,... No way it's gonna spin a 21"...

Generally speakin', ya need a SBC spinnin' at 4800 rpms, for it's Max horsepower... in a boat anyways...

Without knowin' the components used in yer rebuild, it's hard to say what ya need,...
But,...
A 4bbl. carb, 'n intake are a No brainer, 'n the Edlebrock is an excellent choice...
The 650cfm is probably the 1 ya want, but again, Without knowin' the components used in yer rebuild, it's just a guess...

 

[Don S]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

Just an FYI, the max WOT rpm range for the 200D (305) is 4200 to 4600.

 

[gfackrell]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

captmello,

I agree that my prop logic is wrong... I actually ordered the prop before I ever ran the boat because I didn't want to run the beat up one. I went more or less off what I read of similarly powered boats my size. The prop ended up taking a month to get here. When I got on the water the first time and could only barely break 4000 rpm with the 17 I was surprised. So, should I clean up my 17, and work on getting my rpms up?

Don,
That is a good idea to weigh the boat, I'll work on getting that done. I would be a little surprised to see it waterlogged, since it has been trailered, and used very little. original hours were around 600 when I got it.
I honestly have only started the boat once myself. I share the boat with a few friends who are less mechanically inclined than I am. They have struggled to start it most every time. It only struggles for the first start of the day though. I will attempt to start is just as you say and see how it goes next time.

Bond-o,
4800 is my target RPM then, What things should I check or do to try and get that rpm up?
The eddy carb sounds like a good option, but should I work with the one I got to make sure I can solve the rpm issue first?

 

[gfackrell]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

Just an FYI, the max WOT rpm range for the 200D (305) is 4200 to 4600.

I thought that the 200D was a 305, but when I pulled the engine, it was a 350. I guess someone before me put the 350 in?
What should be my WOT rpm range for this rebuilt 350? I asked the guy who rebuilt it, and he said he'd check the spec on the cam and let me know. Never heard back.

 

[Bondo]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

I thought that the 200D was a 305, but when I pulled the engine, it was a 350. I guess someone before me put the 350 in?
What should be my WOT rpm range for this rebuilt 350? I asked the guy who rebuilt it, and he said he'd check the spec on the cam and let me know. Never heard back.

Ayuh,.... Generally speakin', the SBCs, both 305, 'n the 350, when fed with a 2bbl carb, are cammed to run, as Don said, 4200/ 4600 rpms...

Drop on the 4bbl, 'n intake, it's usually the 4800 rpms I mention...

The cam is quite important, 'n that Info should be pursued...

Who put the motor in,..?? Who tuned it,..??

It sounds weak, 'n All the avenues mentioned should be investigated...

Sub-4 grand with a beat up 17" prop ain't to impressive for a New motor,...

Maybe a Compression test, 'n look the spark plugs over for color...

 

[gfackrell]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

I just called the rebuild shop and should hear back about the cam. I put the motor in, Tuning, well I guess that would be the last guy to tinker with this 2 barrel carb... I'm no carb pro, so didn't want to make it worse. That's more or less what i"m asking you guys for help doing. either tuning/troubleshooting this carb, or replacing it with something simpler to tune.
Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[Bondo]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

I just called the rebuild shop and should hear back about the cam. I put the motor in, Tuning, well I guess that would be the last guy to tinker with this 2 barrel carb... I'm no carb pro, so didn't want to make it worse. That's more or less what i"m asking you guys for help doing. either tuning/troubleshooting this carb, or replacing it with something simpler to tune.
Thanks for the replies so far.

Ayuh,.... Was the cam New,..?? Was it "Run in",..??

Have the valves been adjusted,..??

Ignition timin' is set,..??

Run a compression test, 'n See if everything's alright, 'n ready to make power...

The spark plug colors will give ya clues for further Tunin'...

 

[Don S]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

You still need to check the boat weight, no reason for any boat that was upgraded from a 305 to a 350 to need a 17" prop. Unless the boat is way overweight from wet wood and/or wet foam.

 

[gfackrell]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

Boat and trailer, full of gas, with 250 lb winch in it weigh 3785lbs

 

[gfackrell]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

Ayuh,.... Was the cam New,..?? Was it "Run in",..??

Have the valves been adjusted,..??

Ignition timin' is set,..??

Run a compression test, 'n See if everything's alright, 'n ready to make power...

The spark plug colors will give ya clues for further Tunin'...

New cam, "sealed power cs1043n" Not sure exactly what "run in" means....

valves were adjusted by the rebuild shop.

Timing set at 8* BTDC at idle by me.

compression test to come...

Spark plugs were all clean, and light brown color.

The guy at the rebuild shop said that he couldn't find a spec for WOT rpm range for that cam. He guessed 5000.

 

[captmello]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

Boat and trailer, full of gas, with 250 lb winch in it weigh 3785lbs

This sounds about right to me.

I would do a compression test as mentioned. Are you still running the original points style distributor?

And, get another tach to confirm your numbers. Speed readings should also be varified by GPS or you could be chasing your tail without accurate readings.

 

[Bondo]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

New cam, "sealed power cs1043n" Not sure exactly what "run in" means....

valves were adjusted by the rebuild shop.

Timing set at 8* BTDC at idle by me.

compression test to come...

Spark plugs were all clean, and light brown color.

The guy at the rebuild shop said that he couldn't find a spec for WOT rpm range for that cam. He guessed 5000.

Ayuh,.... That number don't come up,...

A flat tappet cam needs to be Broken in...

If not done properly, it'll wipe out the lobes...

 

[captmello]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/slp-cs-1043m

This may be the camshaft, but it doesn't have any specs....

 

[gfackrell]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

I believe that is the cam, I can't find specs for it anywhere online either.

I pre-primed the oil system, before initial startup, and upon initial startup immedietely took the rpm up to 2000 or so. Is that sufficient breakin procedure of the cam?

Yes, its the original distributor.

SPeed was verified by gps, tach however was not verified. How is the easiest way to check that? can I go rent a shop tach of some sort?
How does a shop tach take the RPM?

Thanks guys

 

[Bondo]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

I believe that is the cam, I can't find specs for it anywhere online either.

I pre-primed the oil system, before initial startup, and upon initial startup immedietely took the rpm up to 2000 or so. Is that sufficient breakin procedure of the cam?

Yes, its the original distributor.

SPeed was verified by gps, tach however was not verified. How is the easiest way to check that? can I go rent a shop tach of some sort?
How does a shop tach take the RPM?

Thanks guys

Ayuh,.... A digital timin' light usually has a tach,...

It hooks to the #1 spark plug lead....

 

[gfackrell]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

Ayuh,.... A digital timin' light usually has a tach,...

It hooks to the #1 spark plug lead....

thanks, I'll try and do the compression test and get a digital timing light to check the my rpm gauge for accuracy tomorrow

 

[captmello]

Re: I need every bit of top speed out of my V/P 5.7L AQ200d 280 outdrive.

Yes, its the original distributor.

SPeed was verified by gps, tach however was not verified. How is the easiest way to check that? can I go rent a shop tach of some sort?
How does a shop tach take the RPM?

Thanks guys

If you are using the original distributor, I would suggest replacing the points and condenser and setting the dwell with a dwell meter. Typically a dwell meter will also have a tach.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dwell+meter