How To Maximize Speed?

[Sylar N7]

How do you maximize the speed of a ship? I don't mean maneuverability. I'm talking raw speed...flying and boosting. I've got a Cobra Mk3 that I use for doing odd jobs around Tun and what not, and I want to be as fast as possible. I don't fight in this thing, I just run. Easier and faster that way, especially when doing missions.

So do I just cut down on the weight? Or something else as well?

 

[X-Terminator]

Weight but also the least you need and least Power needed via use of Managing Module Priorities e.g whilst Hardpoints active then it overrides FSD, Cargo Hatch, Fuel Scoop, etc. You can get it on some ships to run 120% efficiently. You can test these whilst in dock by turning those OFF to see if you can get power output under 100%.
The new 2.1 engineer mods is what you really need. I get my FAS boosting over 500 and also flying around 450. Speed is insane (if we can grind for it).

 

[Sylon]

Much like a race car, weight is the biggest killer of speed. I ran without weapons and D-rated shields in my old Cobra III. D-rate as many things as you can, A-rate thrusters, FSD and power distributor. I don't have my Cobra's build with me at the moment, I'm just trying to remember things off the top of my head. If you get interdicted, submit immediately, drop out of SC, boost boost boost, then FSD out. You should be able to outrun pretty much anything.