How hard should I push the old boat?

[Dirty Driller]

Ok guys I have been runnen the old 86 Saltere 454 as hard as I can for a year now. I have burned the new off of it and am starting to slow down a little. The motor will wrap to 4100 RPM. Is 4100 to much for the big block Chev., should I be keeping it under 3500 or 3000 or what. Looken for a little guidance before I throw a rod or go broke burning premium gas.

Thanks guys be safe out there!!

Dirty

[86 century]

As long as you stay under the recommended Max rpm you will be good.

I think most of us run them pretty had from time to time lugging it around over proped is the biggest problem I read about.

[cadunkle]

Should be more in the 4400-4600 RPM range at WOT. Have a large crew or a lot of ballast? I generally don't wring mine out ('89 Saltare 454), though last weekend I was racing the tide and sunset to get back to the ramp and ran about 20 minutes at 3600 RPM which would be around 35 MPH (over water, fighting about a 6 MPH tide), and a couple WOT blasts around 4500 RPM. I figure she should be made to run 36 MPH all day (slalom), but my normal cruising speed is 20-25 MPH... If for the simple fact that gas is expensive and staying out of the secondaries burns a lot less.

[docdrs]

These engines are close to bullet proof when proped properly. We routinely ran wot 4400 rpm for extended 20mins plus during barefoot training. But as said before if you are lugging the engine is way harder on the parts.

[Dirty Driller]

Oh great, now I need to fugure out what prop it has. Where will I find the prop size and what should it be. Also, the guy I bought this boat from was running 20/50 in the motor. I have replaced it twice now and question the weight and vis. of the oil. I would think a 10/30 or 10/40 would be fine. Any thoughts.

Thanks guys

Mr. Chuck Fast hands or no hands

[cadunkle]

Props are typically stamped on the hub, you may have to remove the prop nut to see. Factory prop I believe was a 13"x13" 3 blade.

I run 10w40 in my 454. Engine is not factory and I didn't build it so I don't know what clearances it has, but 10w40 gives me good oil pressure so I see no reason to change it up.

[Dirty Driller]

Thanks I will check that hub. Your it man!!!

[khelfrich]

most new boats run either 15w40 or straight 40 i ran 20w50 in my old boat, I run 15w40 or stright 40 in my new boat, old boat was a 440 now I have the vortec8100