ranger 200 hp torque curve

I have a question about throwing a bigger prop on a 200 ranger. Without knowing the torque curve on the ranger could you put a bigger prop on the ranger and reduce the rpm so that it might equate the torque of a mercedes 160? Or in other words is there an optimal rpm range of the 200 ranger that would allow a bigger prop then normal for this engine to be used that might emulate the big torque/big prop performance of the original motor. If not is there a reduction unit on the market that would go with the ranger? Even if the prop isn't in the correct position through the radiator like the original? :-/

[wolfenbill]

It's not quite that simple buckt. I wish it were because I'd be doing it myself. The peak torque of the Ranger is around 350 ft/lb developed around 3000 rpm.. Running the engine at old Mercedes speed of about 1700 or so would drop the horsepower to around 110, too anemic to do you any good. I've never heard of anyone developing a conversion unit, though it is highly likely and probably desirable as well.

If you built up a reduction box at roughly 2:1 (not exactly, so the belts rotate any wear/stress points) you would get 700ft/lbs torque at a prop rpm of about 1500 which would put you very much in the same league as the DIII merc. only problems become weight and balance issues. I dont know too much about the ranger as they area pretty rare motor downunder. Im working on a Chev V8 350 with a 2.3:1 belt drive as my power unit. But finding a belt with sufficient rated strength is not going too well, might have to use a HIVO chain instead....