Just got done listening to last weeks episode of MMT Radio, and Hoyt mentioned using the governor with the stock carb and how it flows enough for 4400 rpm. I am wondering what spring he is using if other than stock in the governor linkage that would enable you to spin the motor at 4400 with a good/new prop somewhat submerged.

I basically have all the components, cam, headwork, and exhaust currently installed on my motor and unless I trim up to the point of excessive tiller torque and a drop in speed, the best running rpm is 3900 or so. This is with the out of water set at 4650 and a heavier 23 van spring that is zipped tied on a 36 PD.

I wouldn't be concerned. All engines are different. I had my engine modded a while back with the same mods as you and my engine turns only turns 4150-4200 rpms. It's better on the engine to turn lower rpms anyway. But if you do figure out a way to make it turn more, let me know. Because i would turn it up a little more if i could.

I run 4480-4500 RPM with my 35 trimmed in the sweet spot with the stock carb. This is with a 1:1.26 gear ratio. (38 top, 48 bottom)

Motor has EVT Headwork, old BPS exhaust, K&N air filter, carb spacer, some stock intake modifications. Stock carb has the throttle shafts thinned out a little. I also bumped up the stock jets a little to be safe- 150/148 in mine.

I use the Gov spring on the far right in the pic- the one MB uses on their 45's. Gives you alot of room to adjust. I ran for a long time with the Purple spring (stock 35) adjusted to 4250 in the water, just tweaked the linkage a little to keep from pulling the idle up. It wears the spring out in a season though and starts to pulse.