just a little update, after spending the summer getting things sorted out, dealing with a milkshake machine etc...... I finally got to run it for the second time with the new motor. put a couple trouble free hours on it. THe new X, full hydro steering, big tabs and 4 blade prop all play very well together, thought the prop is way to small. We "accidently" bounced it off the rev limiter at 6000 and kissed 80 gps.. As a bonus it handles incredibly well at speed. no chine walking or flighty feeling, actually ran pretty flat. Definitly need to go up on prop and get the revs down, I dont think the 177 is too happy spinning that fast either, as it whined like a bitch, lol....