I'm running a GTR35 on a 17' x 50 Tim's custom flat. I don't duck hunt anymore, and mainly use my boat to bass and redfish the marsh here in south La. I am currenty running 25-27 mph with a standard fishing load. I am in the process of changing the steering over to remote steering, and am contemplating doing a few mods to try and get my speed up a bit. After reading a bunch of post on here, it seems my first step should be a new carb and exhaust. I'm just not sure if its worth spending the $$$$ for a few more mph. What kind of speed increase should I expect to get from a Mikuni carb and Marshmellow exhaust? Is the carb and exhaust the best bang for my buck to increase my speed?


Thanks in advance!
Tim

Do your heads and exhaust first.

Yeah then, later on you can add the carb & cam & push rods & pistons & the list goes on

Be careful though, the power is kind of addicting. Got mine open right now slappin one of Hoyts cams in, just waitin on a crankcase gasket.

Ok, exhaust seems easy enough. Whats involved in doing the heads?
Are we talking about replacement heads, or modification of the stock heads?
I know what the Marshmellow exhaust cost, what will be the cost of the heads, and how much of an increase in speed can I expect?

Thanks
Tim

Modifications of the stock heads, Give Cody a call over at SETX performance and he'll do you afine job and really open your heads and intake up.....As far as speed goes you might get 2-3 more mph out of it but with the heads and exhaust you'll really notice that your load carrying capabilites will be better, you say your run bout 27 now with a fishing load, so just you in the boat i'm guessing around 28-29 maybe 30, well if you get the heads and exhaust done , you'll notice more hole shot and you can carry your same fishing load at maybe 27-29 mph and after adding carb you might see another MPH

Ok, thanks, I'll give them a call. I should be able to finish my remote steering project this week, and that'll be my next move. I've been working way to much laterly, and haven't had much play time. Does Setx do something unique, or can any good mod shop take care of head modification. I hear good things about The Boat Doctor, and he is in my area. Also, what should I expect to pay for the head work? I have a Marshmellow exhaust in my crosshairs at a good price, and am wondering how much more I'm gonna need to put aside for the heads. Also, on the exhaust, baffles or no, which gives the most top end performance?

Thanks again!
Tim

No baffles is the way to go but that's my opinion, on the heads i don't know much about boatt Dr.s work, but havve heard good things, either way I'm sure you'll be alright, I've seen codys Work at SETX i know him. He done my heads and all i can say is i am impressed

how much should I expect to pay?

Hey tim call Cody at SETX performance they have a price list for different things that they can do, i don't want to post a price list and then be lying to ya

I got a price today of around $800.00 for I/M heads installed. I'd kinda like to do the work myself but don't know whats really involved. Are there any instructional videos floating around? I am mechanically inclined, but have never fooled around gas engine that much before. How involved is this project and how bad can it go south? I'd only be saving a couple of bills doing it myself, but I'd really like to learn it. Is it worth it, or should I just cave and spend the dollars?

whats involved in pulling the heads, I'm kinda scared to go at it not knowing what to expect. I was searching the net for somw kind of instructional video. With as much mud motor modifications going on i thought for sure there would be one!

Sounds high to me too

I wrote the figures down at work, don't have them with me. It was $500 plus for the I/M heads, around $65 for gaskets, and a couple hours labor plus tax, came to $800.00. He suggested including the Mikuni carb and installing an exhaust that I provide ( I have a Marshmellow on the way) with he heads, and the whole package tax and labor included was $1800.00

Those are not our prices or quotes.


Our current prices on what you are looking for.
IM heads $530.00
carb kit $685.00
mm exhaust $490.00
$1705
+ a little bit of labor
- package discount

If you live far away you can drive over we will setup to install same day.

. If your core is bad add 400. We also have have package discounts. Give us a call and we will be more than happy to help you out.

Thank you
SETX Performance

No, your correct, the pricing I listed was from our local mechanic here in Metairie Louisiana. They seem to about the same though considering the price he quoted me includes taxes. I see It's also an option to have my stock heads modified. How much better are new I/M heads than stock modified heads?

The "new" IM heads are nothing more than stock modified. That is why they take your core...

Ah, your correct. Sorry, hadn't noticed the exhaust in there. I just tried to call Cody at Setx but he wasn't available. I'm stuck in jury duty today and my phone has no service inside (thanks AT&T). I'm gonna give him a call back
Shortly. I think I'm going to send him my heads and install them and the exhaust myself. I do really want to do it myself. It seems he comes highly recommended by you guys and that's good enough for me!

Trust me you won't be disappointed! i was up there watching him do some port work and man his work is awesome, very tedious and if it ain't done the way he wants it he's not happy, so when you get them back they'll be nice and clean

My GTR35 is a 2008 model, but I had 17 hours on it on January. I just got back into fishing and have been using it more now. It has 31 hours now.

wow you don't run that thing much do you? After you get the mods you'll be really happy, i was excited the day i picked my bone stock motor up and drove the hell out of it, now that i have the mods i like it that much more, no more getting left behind

Yeah, I bought the motor because I was going to get back into duck hunting. That didn't work out , and I've been really busy the last couple of years getting my business established. I've got a little more free time now and have gotten back
To fishing. It's a great marsh fishing rig, but a little slow. I talked to Cody from Setx quite a bit today and I'm confident he knows what I want and is more than capable of getting me set up. I'm gonna get a few more details from him tomorrow and probably send him my heads, intake crossover and carb intake for him to work for me. He made me what I think is a great deal on that work and a carb kit. Hes willing to give me assistance with getting back together myself, so that's what I think I'm going to do

We all have our comfort levels Craig. I'm pushing mine removing and reinstalling the heads, crossover, and carb. I just feel better letting someone I know will do a ggod job on the heads take care of that part. I have no experience with gas engines, but I'll get it done with a little help from Cody and you guys. As far as the dollars I'll spend on the head work. For the price Cody has offered to do the head work and provide a Mikuni carb kit for, I'll wont be spending anymore than $250 to $300 for the head, crossover, and carb intake work anyway. I feel pretty good about it.

My bad...I thought I read that the head work alone was gonna run you $530.00.

No problem, I appreciate the input. The help I have gotten from here has given me the confidence to attempt this project. I just hope its not just enough to get me to trash my engine beyond recognition!