I'm turning just under 3600 RPM's on a stock GT. I've read that I can back the governor screw out and get to 4400 RPM's without compromising the internals. Is this true? Does it impact idle? create prop blowout cavitation? any reason I shouldn't do it?

1. No
2. Not if you do it correctly
3. No
4. Yes. Refer to the answer for number 2

^you mean refer to #1 bc it can impact internals?

Nope, that isn't what I said.

Turn the Governor up until the coils start to crackle and it be the limiting factor. If that raises the idle then back it off a touch until the idle settles down. You do not want the governor holding you back. The stock internals can spin 4750 all day if they have oil, Not saying its smart, but it can handle it.
Have at it and get some tiller time, that is the only way to learn a rig.

MaXXis85, the coil crackle is under a load correct? not free spinning out of water?

Take your boat to a shop.

No. Yes. And if it's not a cdi, it will never do that anyway.

Dumb ass Question???? why not lock the mechanical governor to max and let the coil rev limit do it for you??
BTW which motor is Buckmark311 inquiring about? CDI, Non-CDI, or EFI?
I know my 2011 CDI coils where 4350 but now 4700. And when I installed the BPS "stage 1"(carb, heads, and exhaust) the mechanical rev was blocked as per their kit instructions.

I didn't think these vanguards could make it to the moon! U learn something new everyday on MMT!!!!!!!!

its a 2008 GT, has EFI if I'm remembering correctly.

Id love to take it to a shop but I'm about the only mud motor for 100+ miles in Chicago.

If you got a 2008 EFI 35hp Briggs, like you say you do.
You REALLY need to take that thing to a real mechanic and have him do what you are wanting to do...

And to think, I was just in Chi Town a couple weeks ago...