Choosing motor for new 79 vector rebuild

[nhpoplin]

Im currently rebuilding a 79 vector. Core, floor, transom, everything. I'm looking for it to be 100+mph boat. I'll be shaving weight everywhere I can but Im not sure what motor i want/need. Thinking about a 2.4 bridgeport, promax 225, or 2.5 260, possibly others. I mean I know the 260 will get to 100 without being too radical but im not sure about the other 2. Granted I'm aware all of them need a rebuild every 100 hrs or so. You guys are the experts on here, what kind of speeds do you think each motor could expect with the right setup. Ballparking the number of course. Advice on the motors in general? Thanks for your help!!

[texasvector]

225 promax will give u way more hours than the other 2. U will have rev limit though if left in stock form.

My experience: Running low 90s with a PM and 2:1 gears.

[nhpoplin]

I'm pretty sure nothing I get will be left in stock form haha. I may say that in the beginning but it wont be long before I start tinkering (maybe a few weeks). 90's is fast no doubt but I know how I am and being that close to 100 I would never be happy until I hit triple digits. How long does the promax go between rebuilds? Is your promax modded or fairly stock

[JWTjr.]

100+ in a Vector is serious business. Any of those engines will get you there, (Pro Max only by removing the rev limiter and oil injection), but please...make sure the thing's rigged right, set up right, and wear a racing life vest, kill switch, foot throttle and wheel trim switches, good tight steering, and make sure someone's around when you're trying. No hi-rake props or big setbacks. 3" setback and 15 degrees of positive rake is plenty.

[texasvector]

Brucato acu (no rev limit) .... vertex piston..... tight heads.... flex plate fly wheel. ... oil injectIon removed (mixing 40:1)

Freak'n blast to drive!

[200valeroyt]

And the obvious, water conditions and wind! If there's other boats out nearby, don't even consider it, even slight 1' rollers come up quick and can make things hairy at those speeds!

[nhpoplin]

If I'm gonna push it, it will be 6am when the lake/river is glass with nobody around except a buddy to watch and be there if I happen to lose it...I don't even stretch my little boat out without somebody around...it can't handle a 3" chop much less a 1'

[200valeroyt]

They're fun, but need a lot of respect. It's not so much mild chop as it is wind and other boat wakes that you have to look out for.

[nhpoplin]

I'm aware...can't lose focus for a second...I did last weekend and all but lost it...ended with one of those let out of it and hope for the best moments...took it easy the rest of the day

[roadkill636]

What ya got on It now?

[nhpoplin]

Nothing...its got the floor and core ripped out...picked it up a month or so ago in Florida in awful shape no motor

[wired247]

Spend money on steering before you spend it on the motor.

On this boat Iv'e had a 2 90 Johnson's, a 115 johnson, a few 1500 TOP's, a few 140's, a few variations on the 200 Merc 2.5,a 105 jet, a 2.0 fat 150 in various forms, a 3 liter 225, a 260 and the current 225 promax. The 225 Promax is by far and away the best all around motor Ive run on it considering at least half my driving is done at low speeds and the other half WOT. That 225 Pro Max is the world better to drive at low speeds compared to the 260 and holds its own up to low 90's. The torque from the 225 3.0 was nice though . If it werent so heavy it would still be back there.

[nhpoplin]

What type of dual steering would y'all run...I'm still coming up with a parts list and won't make a big order until the core, floor, and transom are in...almost ready to start putting it back in

[texasvector]

LAKE BOAT?????

hydraulic.

[carlton ruth]

Get a 280. Mines great on fuel, reliability and runs 106 on my vking