So over the years speeds have steadily gone up. Originally if you had a 35hp stage 2, 32-33 mph were good speeds. Now you see stock 40hp running that and a stage 2 running 37-38. What is the difference? Have the builds become better? Heads worked differently? A 35, 37, and 40 block are in theory all the same with a stage 2 except for one being carb and the other fuel injection. Just curious what yall opinions are.

Speed is over rated.

Will it get out of its own way in the thick stuff?


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Speed is over rated to some and everything to other's.

You are right, I can remember when low to mid 30’s was “fast”. Now the stock motors are running that. I’ve modded 2 motors in the past, both of which ran about the same speeds as my stock 37 GTR runs empty. However, the mods were very nice when I loaded the boats down and didn’t drop very many mph at all.

The bigger cam and better heads help tremendously with load carrying. In stock form the 40s are impressive from the old 35/36 models, but I don't understand why they are so much quicker when built. I guess the EFI makes that much of a difference.

I think a lot of the stock 40 speeds are inflated. I’ve run next to one. Good motor, but definitely not a mid 30s rig by any stretch. 30, sure, not much above it though.


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All speeds posted on the www for mud motors are inflated...tail winds, tail currents, shallow water, light load....all 4 of those in my favor, I just gained at least 3.5 MPH.


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Speeds are definitely inflated, but you can consistently see a 40hp run 31-32mph. Which like stated above use to be borderline "fast".

I put a new 40 on a 10 model Gator series 18x54, with a decent hook at the worst possible spot, unloaded I ran 29 to 30 mph. I have sense taken the hook out, but am now running a Hammer, which nets me 28ish loaded or unloaded.

yes the stock 40 is better than a stock 35 yes, will it out run a modded 35, that depends on so many factors, rig, load, prop.....

BlueSky ran next to me with his 17x54 3/16 bottom, heads, cam, and exhaust and he did not have an issue keeping up, we are both running hammer props, so speed isnt our main priority.

Needless to say 40 is nice, but I will take the ability to toat a load over speed. The 40 has been a good motor so far.

yes over the years builders have dialed in there combos. now a good stg2 makes what the badass full builds used to make

I have a stock 40 efi on a 16x48 hull and never really took a good look at my speeds on the new 40.

Saturday I went fishing and decided to look. Used the speedbox on my cell phone and when I got to some open water where I could pay attention I was flipping back and forth between 29 & 30 mph.

That is it. I had some gear but I am not going to claim that I was loaded like a barge because I wasn't.

IF I had an 18ft hull maybe it would be different; faster; maybe not.

I am keeping the motor stock because I just don't feel like fooling with mods and props anymore.

I do care what my motor does when I get in the soup and gumbo and lettuce and so far I am pleased.

I think I would benefit most by playing with the skeg on my GEN II lower unit.