Well I bought my 97 2003 I had a 175 Johnson FasTrak never been touched the lower unit had a comb on it I ran 80 - 82 miles per hour with I work 28 Ranker solo with my fishing gear tank of gas 3 batteries trolling motor.
I have a 1997 XB 2003 with a stock 225 Promax with a sm lower unit with a allison cut. Running a worked 30 et lighting. And running 6800 - 7000 rpm. 9/16 above pad.