1987 VALERO YT SET UP

[77viper]

If you don't have solid motor mounts put them in now, the powerhead has to come off to install them. Setback sounds about right, the 2-1 gearcase will mean you will need a tall prop for top end but it will pull like a freight train with a smaller prop. One issue with modding the lazer injection is they don't breath too well after about 8000 rpm, again the 2-1 gearcase and prop come into play. Like Rut said 26-28 pitch prop is where I would start, that will be a good all around size.

Rut your boat has had some height added to the pad so it's a little lower than the sponsons where a standard yt are even.

[Rut311969]

Good to no Chet thanks for info that was not known to me.

[TexasValeroYt]

Solid motor mounts are in place. I knew the Laser was not designed for super high RPM's. I would go to a 260 more than likely down the road. Am I looking for a Chopper or a Cleaver?

[RussF]

I d say chopper..............

[77viper]

A cleaver will work best for top end with as little weight in the boat as possible but isn't practical for much past that. A chopper will carry a little more weight than a cleaver but will not carry more than a passenger or two but will work as a good top end prop too. A through hub will be a great all around loaded boat prop. You will most likely find 2 or more props is the best answer depending on load in the boat.

This is where friends with props is nice, that way you can try out a couple and see what your hull likes.

[TexasValeroYt]

O.K. So maybe I should find a chopper to get use to the boat. I do not plan to load the boat up with passengers, but I am 6'5" and 230 pounds myself. It would be a girlfriend and/or a buddy. I have ran and owned v-drives previously, so this is my first outboard performance boat. I ran it a couple of times before burning a cylinder and this baby will get your attention for sure. It seems to want to dance/chine alittle around 70mph. That was my first hour in the boat by myself. I have to assume thats normal. So am I looking for a 26 or 27 chopper?

ALSO GUYS.... I have a fresh cleaned fuel tank and new high grade fuel line with mercury filtration. The powerhead has an electric fuel pump feeding the Laser EFI. Do I need anything else such as another fuel pump inline to maintain a constant supply of fuel or should I be o.k. with the one pump which I believe is a Bosch.

[RussF]

I also run those 4 blade Trophys props I have a 26 and a 28 good all around prop for me BUT .... I 'm old................... ........................I think Chet got a trophy for sale

[Rut311969]

I run a trophy on my Valero Im going to be getting my boats out soon and well tell you whats on it I cant rem I'm the same size as you and my girlfriend and my buddie that go out with me in my add 340#to the boat it handles much better with aload but is very fast and can be squrrily with just me in it but not at all uncontrolable . If I rem you are running 4' more set back then me .

[alaskastreamin]

Sometimes the chine walk comes from sloppy steering. Make sure ALL the slack is out of the steering cables. Also if you're not jacked high enough, the gear case creates lift and will make it chine walk. Alot of people jack till water pressure starts to drop. My Viking liked 1/2" above the pad with the center of the prop shaft. I had 5" setback.

One way to determine if you have the right setback is to run at speed trimmed to your desired angle (hull angle) and get a side view picture. Look at the motor. If it has positive trim (usually a 50' high roostertail is evidant) you need more setback. Trimmed under/ less setback. You want the gear case to run as close to parallel to the surface as possible.

If you watch video's of the v-bottom streams, you will see the driver constantly working the steering wheel slightly.

My little Viper has to be constantly "Snapped into submission" Over 75 mph, you notice the bow starting to slightly rock side to side. As soon as this happens, a slight quick jerk opposite of the roll will straighten it out for 10- 15 seconds then repeat. After a few outings, it just becomes natural.

The EFI motors (not the racing versions) have a slosh tank on the left side that has your high press pump. The pulse pump mounted to the block fills the slosh tank so no other pump is needed.

Did you add fiber reeds? Cheap insurance. A broken metal reed will ruin the motor. Plastic/ fiber reeds rarely break and will not hurt the motor.

Other than that, seat time will train you. Good luck and have fun!!!!

[TexasValeroYt]

Thank You Guys! I have 8" of setback from the transom. I have the Chris Carson Fiber Reeds with ported reed cages. New Dual cable steering as well. I really enjoy everyones sincere cooperation. I am getting excited about getting the powerhead in place and doing some lake testing. Thank you to all that have helped, I am sure I will have more questions. Thanks for all the feedback!