props

hi, i have a '85 2001 and i just can't get it to go. i'm a barefooter and would like more top end.
i've been working with the prop but can't get the right combo. i'm running a 1313 oj legend. but trying to get it back to 4400 at 44mph. i'm at 42.6 on my gps now at 4200. johnson propeller is working with me but its a long process to get the right cup and pitch. Does anyone have any sugestions? i've also worked with my mich. prop 1313 cupped. but haven't had much luck either to get it up to 44-45mph? correct craft told me this boat is supposed to go 46mph. yeah right? i've done all the engine work i can for a stock motor, timming, ign, plugs, manifolds, ect. and it runs fine. but it just won't go top end. i like my boat and don't want to sell it, i bought it brand new.
help?
       Gary

Gary,
It sounds like the only mod's you have made to the engine is basicly replaced the intake with an aluminum one. Have you replace the dist, with am electronic one or conversion kit? With out making more mods to the engine you are not going to be able to get the speed you want. If you increase pitch to get more top end you will loose hole shot. Where are you located? If you aren't to far from nothern Indiana I would let you barefoot on mine if you can deep water start, and you'll just have to tell me how fast you want to go so I know which prop to use.

To get the power out of the 351w you have to replace the heads, or rework yours with bigger valves, replace the cam, and balance the engine. There are several people on this site that has done this and can go over 50 mph and there are others to go over 60 mph. the stock cam just will not produse the torque needed for high speeds. You don't have to do all of the mods but I doubt that the cam alone would be enough, the heads would restrict the performance a little. Replacing the heads only might get the job done but it can get expensive depending on how you choose to do it, buying new vs. reworking or getting used heads. A lot of people use the GT40P heads, I have D70E on mine but they have been messaged a little to flow better.

Gary,
You've apparently had the boat nearly 20 years now, so congrats on a nice long relationship. I guess we're understanding that it ran 44mph and 4400 new or some time ago, and that's where you want to get it back to. While my boats run great with the OJ props, which are my currrent prop of choice for top speed, these props are not apples to apples (size wise), at least from my experience, with the original Federal/Michigan wheels, i.e., a 13x13 OJ may not be a direct or adequate replacement for the 13x13 Mich, rpm wise. When switching from the Fed to the OJ, I had to drop an inch of pitch to keep the same rpm and speed increased slightly. The reason behind this has to due with the rake of the OJ prop which is another whole thread discussion. Does the orig Mich prop only turn 4200 as well when you've recently tested with it? There's a whole new world of speed out there as bc, myself, and others can attest, but I feel you've got something else holding you back right now unless she's just plain tired.

Before changing props be sure in your heart the engine has all the power it had from the gitgo. Engines with excessive hours especially 351, 460 Fords came with a 8 degrees retarded chain and sprocket from the factory. With more hours it gets more retarded.This takes away the top torque, hp power. All over the counter replacement chain sets are not retarded.If you have the 123 tranny, its worse. OJ haas 75 years of experience plus Eric has raced Formula 1 for years.
When you play one prop againt another without the power you are not on level playing field. I have run OJ props againt $850.00 - $1000 custom props and his props are within 100 200 rpm difference, the best bang for the buck.
Every boat is different, glass boats that sit on a trailer will change the bottom, so there are manty things to consider.

I have to agree with those that look to the heart of the power... the engine. I would start there. A compression test will tell the tale and is very easy to do. When I got ready to re-prop my 86SN,I did the test and found I was @130-135psi on all my pistons, pretty good for an 86'.Then I went to the Acme folks, they hooked me up with a prop that got me spec RPMS and 4mph more on the top end @47mph. Tandem Barefoot, no problem. Good luck.
DAWG 99NSS