I have experience with a 98 MC SportStar(95-97 Prostar Hull) with an LT1 with a 3 blade prop 1:1 trans and a 99 MC SportStar with a 350 TBI (310 HP) aka as Predator with a 4 blade CNC OJ prop 1:1 trans. I owned the 99 and it was very comparable to the 98 with LT1, which is a friends that I still ski behind. The LT1 might have a slightly higher top speed, but with the CNC OJ I found the 350 TBI pulled harder pulling a skier up. If I where shopping for that era boat again I would go with the 350 TBI I think it’s a simpler motor electronically with less to brake and cheaper to repair and replace if necessary. If you search the forum, there are some great threads on the hull histories. Good luck with your boat search.
The SportStar/X5 a great way to get a newer boat, with simpler interior for less $ than the ProStars. Check out
http://www.mastercraft.com/market/sh...uct=4164&cat=5
&
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-...-/200639500638
in 98 the SportStars standard engine was a 305 TBI(LT1 optional but rare), but in 99+ the stock motor was 350 TBI.