new motor for a 283 convincor

[BOB'S 283]

broke the stock hp 500 last fall , so ordered a bigger and better one , 540 ci / 630 or so n.a - hp. taking possession soon . am secure with engine builder and installation . lake is still frozen !! looking for thoughts from someone with genuine knowledge in obtaining everything this package is capeable of , no idea yet where to turn for a prop etc . no real idea what would be a real expectation for speed . boat is a 95 convincor 283 . original bravo 1 . was showing 72 with a 24p mach sterndriver when it broke , speedo has shown 75 when new and with bigger (stock) jetting . am anxious to get into this with both feet ,also need to know how others have solved the engine hatch (hinge) problem . my 88 convincor had same problem . thax , RISENSHINE

[BOB'S 283]

broke the stock hp 500 last fall , so ordered a bigger and better one , 540 ci / 630 or so n.a - hp. taking possession soon . am secure with engine builder and installation . lake is still frozen !! looking for thoughts from someone with genuine knowledge in obtaining everything this package is capeable of , no idea yet where to turn for a prop etc . no real idea what would be a real expectation for speed . boat is a 95 convincor 283 . original bravo 1 . was showing 72 with a 24p mach sterndriver when it broke , speedo has shown 75 when new and with bigger (stock) jetting . am anxious to get into this with both feet ,also need to know how others have solved the engine hatch (hinge) problem . my 88 convincor had same problem . thax , RISENSHINE

[Dave's ZT260]

How long did you run the HP500 with a bravo 1? That drive will never handle 600+ HP. Better look into an XR or imco drive. Then 26-27 pitch to start.

[BOB'S 283]

thanx ! still trying to master this site . anyway 9 seasons on the bravo . never missed a beat . broke the motor twice though . am more concerned with the efficiency of the drive ( and the whole package for that matter ) vs all the new stuff , than durability . i try not to fly it , but love to hang it out . we run through your area a couple times a year ,albany to nyc . usually HEAVY . if you ever make it to sacondaga ,we'll find ya ! RISENSHINE

[Dave's ZT260]

9 years with a HP500 and a bravo 1 proves your easy on the drive, but if you try to run 600+HP with that drive you WILL be paddling back real soon. 550HP in my old persuader blew the bravo in 1 month. I've never made it up to Sacondaga, maybe some day. I'm up in lake george a lot.
Good Luck

[checkrocket]

Definately should look into a XR drive or a Imco. I have the HP500 with the XR upper and Imco lower. Its never given me any problems. Hard to believe you blew up the HP500. Super reliable motor, no problems usually. What went wrong?

[BOB'S 283]

4 years ago ,valve train destroyed itself including the cam . this time , head gasket . in the process it flame cut cyl wall between 5 and 7 and also the head . should mention that the hp 500 has been run nearly flat out ,most of the time from albany to nyc and back , 300 or so miles . so i ain't complaining . i just spent a ton on the new motor , and a new drive is not in the budget this season , unless i have to get towed ...... what kind of $$$ we talking for imco ????

[Dave's ZT260]

You will be towed alot without a new drive.
New imco or XR is about 7K-

[BOB'S 283]

you guys are killin me ....was totally unprepared for this . wanted to go for a killer paint job this winter . then the motor went . paint is on hold . i am going to reserch the drive options though , RISENSHINE !!

[vinny p.]

Bob,

Do yourself a favor and get the drive before you get the paint job. In my opinion, you should have a drive, steering, and tabs before you even think about a killer motor. There is no sense in having a ton of power if you can't use it safely. I am assuming that the HP you have or should I say had, is a carb. model. Those motors are notorious for valve train and exhaust failures. Mercury fixed those problems with their newer HP EFI motors.

[vinny p.]

I am researching either an XR or an Imco drive for myself. I am planning on upgrading the power in my 259 soon. I talked to, I think his name is Chris from the attached link. He gave me some suggestions for my power. His prices were reasonable as well. He may also be from your area, but I am not sure.

http://sterndrivespec.com/

[BOB'S 283]

thanks vinny ! i've just checked a few sites myself ,and am continuing the learning process .if the drive breaks it will be replaced , like the motor . i could use a breather in between though . my curiosity now has more to do with any efficiencies (speed) to be gained and also the install . does anything else need to be changed . is the drive hight and all that the same on the original bravo vs the xr ? and yeah the paint is on hold ...RISENSHINE !!!!!

[Dave's ZT260]

You will need to replace the gimble bearing and add trim spacers. But it's not too bad. It cheaper than a tow-

BTW, Vinny is right about the steering and tabs. Once you hit 75mph everything starts to change. You will NEED hydraulic steering and a good set of racing tabs to control it.

I've already been down this road and it gets expensive. There is a reason we say $1000-$2000 per mph gain.

Welcome to the big leagues!

[vinny p.]

ZT260,

I am with you. I feel your financial pain. Nothing is cheap when you want good Go-Fast parts, especially for boats.

[Dave's ZT260]

Vinny-

My new Heads are $4000

nothin is cheap!!!

[F150GT]

We learned the hard way also, there are no short cuts. You cant go cheap on anything, it will fail and cost you more. Speed is very exspensive!
F150

[Dave T]

Bob ,
I run sagandaga all the time .What color is your mate? Like Vinny said ,You should call Chris He is A great with bravos for upgrades.600hp is alot for stock bravo.
Dave

[BOB'S 283]

thanx for input guys ,we're trying to get up to speed in more ways than one . checked one of my sources yesterday and was reminded of the bravo shop from florida , words like guarantee and loss of speed from bigger gear cases came up . guy i talked to ran their stuff w/o problem in a 850 hp 26ft american offshore . DAVE !!!!!!! my ride is the 283 with the same graphics as the 303 brochure boat .check out the " showroom "section , scroll down to 1995 brochure and look at the 303. last year there were 2 other smaller mates up there similar paint. usually run with a black and red 22 ft checkmate. what is yours like ? risenshine !!!!!!

[Dave's ZT260]

There is no question larger gears will consume more HP, but now your splitting hairs. An XR or IMCO will only lose 1-2 mph top end vs. a bravo 1. Not one good professional would even consider recommending a bravo 1 for your application. Guarantees don't really exist in this sport. (At least don't count on them)

And if you blow that drive at high RPM you could easily do some major engine damage. $$$

7K will sound cheap if you break a motor. Not to mention the down time with our short summer.

Don't wait until its too late-

[checkrocket]

A good place to look for performance drives either rebuilt, upgraded or new is Offshoreonly.com in the classified area. Sometimes there are Imco, xr and other upgraded drives. Just an idea. I think the best way to start your boat over is to start with the drive.

[BOB'S 283]

zt help me out here .what do you think i'm looking to gain speedwise , going from the 500 (low 70's speedo ) to approx 630 hp ? and on a sour note did you know a guy , byron , on lake george . all white 29 profile ,built hp500... he also had a smaller older checkmate outboard ? he was tight with jason ......

[Dave's ZT260]

I would expect 8mph gain. Definitely less than 10mph. So you will be at 80mph give or take. You will need hydraulic steering at that speed. I've already been there and the chine walk will be uncontrollable.

Who is doing the motor for you?

I know of Byron’s cat. Didn't know him personally. Crap, did something happen?

[BOB'S 283]

thanx 8mph would be fine . jack boyd from mayfield , he also does jason's machine work as well as jimmy denooyer's , so good enough for me .merlin block , air flow research aluminum heads etc , waiting for a "warmer" day to dyno it . byron . we got the same guy ????? 29 profile "deep v" hull no cat .... died from snowmobile accident a few weeks ago.

[Dave's ZT260]

The guy I was thinking of has a white cat with an blown HP500 runs 100mhp. I might be confusing the guy. A shame either way.

Jack Boyd has a good rep, what did he say about the bravo drive holding up? And the streering?

[BOB'S 283]

he mentioned a few more "locals" with more power than me , that are running bravos w/o problems . they are using care .....myself i'm up there several days a week , prefer not to run sunday afternoons when lake is crazy no need to beat boat or my body . you guys have raised enough doubt in my mind though , and i will probably buy something , once i've settled in on what will "work best for me". am exploring all options . thanx again. RISENSHINE !!!!!

[Dave's ZT260]

The drive will not hurt you, just your wallet.
The steering can kill you!

Be careful.....

[vinny p.]

Boats are just like race cars, there is no sense in having 1000 h.p. if you can't get it to the ground.

[BOB'S 283]

vinny , i'm not doubting anything you guys are saying . i replaced the motor first because it broke first . i would have been happy with the 500 and a fat wallet . i am beating the bushes in my spare time. my wrench is also looking into it for me through his mercury rep for their opinion . so far i have found that mercury figures 600 hp is about max for that drive , but they do offer a ton of stronger replacement parts for the bravo .steering ... no argument , at all , can probably do that by early summer , saftey is not an option . but i gotta spread this out a little .....i have a question for ya , is the steering only to prevent chine walking ? if so , its going to take a lot more than 600 hp to make this baby dance ! thanx . RISENSHINE !!!!!

[Dave T]

Bob, the hyrdraulic steering is much stronger and more stable then the steering system you have now. The stock steering won't handle as much torque from the drive and if the steering arm breaks the drive will turn and send the boat and you for a ride.I have A 98 251 with purple and black .How is Jack boyd to deal with?Im looking for A set of cly heads for 502 im building for my 25.
Dave

[This message was edited by Dave T on March 24, 2004 at 06:35 PM.]

[vinny p.]

Bob,
Hydraulic steering not only makes the steering more responsive, it helps to eliminate unneccesary strain put on the gimbal. It does this by transferring the load of steering to the drive rather than the gimbal ring. The dual piston set-up will stabilize the drive during high speeds and turning. It is the only way to go.
From what I understand, the best advice is NOT to waist money on performance parts for your Bravo 1. Save your money until you can get an XR or an Imco. The aftermarket replacement parts for a Bravo are not much better than the stock parts. The problem is that they are just not big enough. The XR or Imco allows for bigger shafts, bearings, better tower and straight cut gears.
As always, there are several ways to drive your boat. I am sure that with the power you are looking to upgrade to, you can run the boat within reason and still not blow the drive up. There are alot of guys out there running some pretty big horsepower numbers through stock Bravos and living to run another day. BUT, the fact is that you will have a drive failure. It is just a question of when. Alot to do with when has to do with your driving habits. I am sure you know the deal with holeshots and jumping waves. There are also a few hidden factors that some people may not realize. The size of your prop and weight of the boat have alot to do with the life expectancy of your drive. The bigger the prop, the more weight of teh boat, the more the strain will be on the drives shafts, gears and tower. My 259 will put a considerable amount less strain on a drive than will your 280.

[BOB'S 283]

hey dave , i'm going to upgrade the steering as quickly as possible . i've been docked at edinburg marina since 1977 ! we would love to meet more checkmate owners . i've been out of the hot rod loop so to speak for the last several years but iguess i'm comming back with a vengence . jack boyd , he's the best , country boy !talented and honest . i left it up to him 100 % . just told him to impress me . your 251 should respond nicely to mods. i had an 88 . that hull was amazing . i see it up there some times , white , with a little maroon stripe . oh and jack does have some used parts and usually knows what else is around.RISENSHINE!!!!!!

[BOB'S 283]

vinny.....i'm getting an education FAST . i appreciate your time in getting me up to speed ,,RISENSHINE!!!!!!

[Dave T]

Bob,
I think I know your old boat .It belongs to A guy I know.1988 with A 454 mag with two deck hatches?Boyd just built A small block for my fatherin law for his 55 chevy.My father in law was very happy with him.I have been waiting on performance marine for heads for the 502 for 4 months.

[BOB'S 283]

dave i loved that boat . different animal from the 283 . i beleive we are talking about the same boat . guy is very easy on it . does yours have the flotation boxes in the engine compartment ? i removed them from that one after checking with checkmate . it ran 77 with a diferent motor in it . i was told that checkmate put a slight hook in when they reintroduced it as the convincor classic . you know anything about that ?it would be a shame . that hull had a lot of potential , narrow beam ! RISENSHINE !!!!!

[BOB'S 283]

DAVE , i was surprised how long it took for all the engine parts to come together .it was months also for my heads . they are beautiful though ,must be a lot of guys with a need for speed . jack is proud as hell of what he's turning out , and did i mention a 1 year guarantee ? so what you buildin anyway ? RISENSHINE !!!!!!

[Dave T]

I have the short block all done .It it simular to A hp 500.I was just going to use A set of stock retanular port heads with some good parts but I cant wait to much longer for P Marine.Im thinking of going with the AFR as cast heads(305cc) I think.
Dave

[Dave T]

Bob,
I stopped up to se Boyd friday to get A price on heads.I saw your engine on the dyno .He said he was going to run it later in the day.How did you make out?
Dave

[BOB'S 283]

hey dave , last i heard was 647 hp and 666 torque and still climbing . running out of carburator . stay tuned ! did you locate heads and will you be up and running for the start of season ? RISENSHINE !!!!!

[Dave T]

Bob,
That 28 will be flying this year!Jason said the heads will be done this weekend.Our boat is ready to go.The boat has A 310efi 454 in it now .The 502 is A project I have been working off and on for A couple of years now.
Dave

[BOB'S 283]

dave . cool on the heads . hope you're right on the 28 . now , i gotta find more gold for an outdrive and steering . ohhhh , these projects !! RISENSHINE !!!

[Enforcer 24]

How are you coming on steering Bob? Did you break out the plastic $. JP's 40 (boat I sent you pics of) is 950 hp a side and he spent over $8000 for steering. Granted it is bigger and more HP but anything over 75 should be hydraulic. Ever see that video on "real tv" or "you gotta see this" where the two guys get flung out of the boat as it took a hard left? That may have been from catching a bad wave like it said but, with the stock steering arm on, that could be BOB! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/Eyecrazy.gif It is expensive, but like you said, saftey is # one. Going fast is fun, so I jump in someone eleses water rocket. I am content driving mid 50's (for now) Hope you get it all figured out. XR drives will serve the purpose also. Another guy I know runs them on his 38 Hustler w/ twin blown 540s.

[BOB'S 283]

hey dave , i'm planning on the steering as soon as i get a prop which will be as soon as i get in the water which probably will probably be another 3 or 4 weeks. picking motor up sat morning . coupler is backordered from mercury . all kinds of stuff ordered from my marina .all the extras i ordered from the motor builder all winter caught up with me today . i'm anxious to see this thing run , so i can see what else still needs to get bought. thinking about changing its name to cost overrun .... my earlier thoughts of running this thing easy are starting to change .probably take a good part of the summer to get everything right but we're going hunting bajas ...... we're gonna get r done baby...

[Dave's ZT260]

Leave the poor Bajas alone, that's like taking candy from a baby.

Go for the big fish- Fountains, Donzis, Cigarettes, and my personal favorite Cats!!!

[BOB'S 283]

zt, 2 cats come to mind a 24 lib with ob's running 118 gps and a 36 spectre w/575's ...... what ya think ? we have a new bullet comming , should be ok there , a new top gun with 575's i don't think so ......brings us back to baja's....what's your status ???????

[Dave's ZT260]

There is only one cat down here running 130mph+ that I will not mess with, but everyone else is fair game. Since I haven’t lost a race yet, I still have a big head, and every year I increase my top speed in an attempt to keep it that way. This year I figure anyone who can't run 110mph+ consistently will be very disappointed.

This is what drives me, what drives by you?
http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Dave's ZT260]

BTW, the boat will be in the water by Memorial day.

Or so help me god.. #%@&%

[BOB'S 283]

zt , i dropped the motor at the marina . still waiting for merc parts. but getting closer . haven't seriously run anyone new in a while , just the same group of friends , and we're all close. if this thing does an honest 80 , i will be thrilled .especially the way it is often loaded ,few hundred extra lbs of coolers etc in the bow.....we use the boat and i enjoy the hell out of it when i can take 6 or more people and their junk and see 70 ??? on the speedo with out spilling a drink !!!!!! it ain't a cigarette , but people will continue to respect the checkmate name . btw do i see silent choice on yours , or do you use mufflers ? how are you working the noise issue on l.g. ?

[Dave's ZT260]

If you see 80mph under a light load, you will see 70+ even with an extra 1000Ibs of load. I run no more than 7mph slower with the biggest load in my boat.

BTW, you will have big trouble controlling it past 75 with standard steering.

As for Lake George I will have switchable mufflers of some type. The silent choice is gone and CMI big E tops are on order.

[Eriktheviking]

Bob,Are running straight pipes or going with some sort of switchable mufflers? RISEINSHINE!

[BOB'S 283]

steering is planned , will be talking to my install man this week . motor install should start thurs if the coupler arrives. i'm going to have more questions soon on steering , brands , best prices etc . also concerned with lack of room under dash . and the type that does not go all the way to helm . as far as exhaust . i have the gils / corsa captains call . the exhaust pipes have been modified so that the inside tubing goes all the way back to the silent choice. in other words the water is mixing further back than normal. zt keep me posted on what you do on tips / mufflers .jack and jason both think my exhaust system is ok as is but i have something else on my want list.

[Dave's ZT260]

Don't cheat on the steering, go full IMCO front to back. It's not cheap, but it is top shelf stuff, that will pay for itself in the long run.

Your exhaust should be fine until you add a blower. You know you want to!!!

[HemiBee]

Bob, After seeing what happened to Bubba's Pulsare this is some good advice!! Be Safe....

[BOB'S 283]

hemibee ,,,thanks ,,,,,imco steering will be on the back of risenshine soon .however after seeing what happened to bubba , who had steering , i can't help but wonder , how many of us are trying to do stuff we've never done before , ormaybe biting off more than we should sometimes . while it might be very cool to say "i painted that boat or i put a new floor in that boat" its in our face that safety underway is a whole other story . as you know from reading this thread , i was reluctat at first to add the steering because of the cost ,especially after what i spent on the motor . but i was sold before bubba . i will have it in a few weeks. the point i'm trying to make is we're all probably pretty good at "what we do" for a living or everyday...my boats have always been serviced religously by a trained mercury tech,,,the same guy..his eye catches stuff that i will never see or maybe not wholely understand .he is anal about preventitive maintainence . you can have the best high performance parts money can buy but a loose bolt can hurt you .regular maintainence or installation by a trained proffesional may save you in the long run. just my sincere thoughts .

[Dave's ZT260]

Bob-

That's why I let the pro's do the main work. I just do the tinkering to get everything the boat is capable of. Jason installs the motor, drive, steering and tabs. He also does all the maintenance other than oil changes.

Not to say things can't go wrong. I found a leaking hose fitting on the steering a month into the season, but I fixed it and no harm was ever done.

At these speeds you ready need to do a pre flight checkout before you nail the throttle!
My family rides in the boat, and although I don’t run over 75mph with my son onboard I would like to be there to see him grow up.

Think about it!!!! And be safe everyone….

[BOB'S 283]

zt . i'll try and tie in a couple of your replies . first ,i also visit a couple of other sites , but like you , i consider this one and you guys "family" .you and vinny especially wouldn't cut me any slack on the steering issue..and i was given an explanation as to why i needed it that i could understand. i'll have it before i know how fast this thing is . secondly , our family and friends ride with us and we are morally responsible for their safety. i have never met "bubba" or any of you other checkmate guys . but trust me , hearing someone say "he died doing what he loved " don't make it any easier. i don't have unlimited funds like many of you , but i beleive when it comes to the type of boating that we enjoy and the speeds that we are trying to reach , that we owe it to whoever we care about to have the best service / maintainence availabe . and i further beleive that for the majority of us that will be a reputable marine service facility. thanks for listening !!!!!

[Dave's ZT260]

Bob-

I think you have everything stated correctly except the part about unlimited funds. If I or many other members had unlimited funds we would all have something like ZT330's or convincor 320's with 2000HP or better. I just comes down to where you spend your money. I choose to spend every spare dollar on my boat because no other "toy" makes me happier.

Our budgets may vary, but the goal is the same, and you look to be in the same boat, literally.

[BOB'S 283]

zt , what that should have said , or at least what i meant is "like many of you , i don't have unlimited funds"...... either way , you're right we are in the same boat . we always seem to find the $$$$ for the boat , because thats where the enjoyment is !

[BOB'S 283]

hey zt ,,,,i keep meaning to ask . where is last years motor ?

[Dave's ZT260]

Jason has the old motor. You gotta have a backup plan......

If we have a problem with the new motor the old one will be back in the boat ASAP. Otherwise it might be for sale soon.

BTW, my first name is Dave I would post it in my profile, but there is no option to do so yet.

[Dave's ZT260]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ZT260:
Bob-

That's why I let the pro's do the main work. I just do the tinkering to get everything the boat is capable of. Jason installs the motor, drive, steering and tabs. He also does all the maintenance other than oil changes.

Not to say things can't go wrong. I found a leaking hose fitting on the steering a month into the season, but I fixed it and no harm was ever done.

At these speeds you ready need to do a pre flight checkout before you nail the throttle!
My family rides in the boat, and although I don’t run over 75mph with my son onboard I would like to be there to see him grow up.

Think about it!!!! And be safe everyone…. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I feel kind of stupid for this post. I had not read about Bubba's crash and although I still standby everything I stated, it was not directed at Bubba. I'm amazed no one got hurt. Thank the stars for that!

[Brian]

Hey ZT, I know a couple of boats out on the river you can't quite get, but you do get alot of them. See ya soon.........

[Dave's ZT260]

Brian-

Long time no see-

I don't know of any vhulls running over 110 do you?

BTW-Did you buy that new GMC with the checkmate sticker on it?

C-ya soon out there.

[Brian]

Yeah I have the Black GMC, I rolled the green chevy,hit a telephone pole (long story). No v-hulls over 110 a few cats though.Going out friday morning to see how see runs after the winter work, trying a 29 pitch, hoping it's enough. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Well talk to ya.......

[BOB'S 283]

motor is in . still waiting for a few oddball parts to finish. orig coupler no longer available from merc . had to use something from merc racing , all steel , no aluminum . 3 inches longer , complicated install a little. i can't imagine putting 2 motors back there. whose idea was it to get white upholstery etc?

[91 GTX]

BOB WHO DID YOUR MOTOR SWAP?

[BOB'S 283]

edinburg .hope this is the last one !!!!

[BOB'S 283]

motor is in and running on the hose . cleaning , reinstalling hatch next , to all of you guys with long term ongoing projects ..... you have my respect . i'm tired and i wanna sit in the damned thing and kill a few brain cells

[Eriktheviking]

MY FEELINGS EXACTLY!!! HEY CHRIS,WE NEED A LITTLE GREMLIN http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/eyes.gif THATS HOLDING UP A BEER OR SOMETHING.I FEEL IT WOULD BE VERY APPROPRIATE FOR SOME OF THESE CONVERSATIONS http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Enforcer 24]

http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gifGlad to hear the engine is running Bob! At least you can go have fun. I am final sanding tomarrow for paint and still have to wait 3 more weeks for the interior to get re-wrapped. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gif So much for Memorial Day Weekend http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/zx11pissed.gif Guess I will have to spend it in my buddys Chris Craft Stinger. Can't rush this project, 'cause I don't want to do it twice!

[BOB'S 283]

iput the engine hatch and new hinges on today .took way too long tried wrestling with it by myself , finally had to ask the wife to help ! not enough hands... resealed some old screw holes. rerouted a couple wires etc. have some ideas to trick out the engine compartment( and making it easier to work on) after everything else gets done. dave glad to hear that you're doing it right. riding with friends is cool. been there , done that . at least you have elbow room for your project . GIT-R-DONE

[Eriktheviking]

Bob, Are you taking it out this weekend or still waiting for parts? Is the lake high this year? GOT BEER http://checkmate-boats.com/groupee/forums/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/beer1.gif

[BOB'S 283]

planning on friday am . couple little cleaning things yet . still helping friends etc . you betcha dupa , i'm ready for a beer . lake is a little low , last i heard . can't beleive you're not in yet.gonna have to stay in til november to average it out

[Eriktheviking]

Yeah I know, http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/eyes.gifbut can't take her out tell shes ready.I'm basically done with the other boat and its ready to sell.The Harley is all done. Tomorrow I'll drop the engine back in the Cuda. After that I'm jumping into the Scarab and not coming out tell its done! She'll be a BAD APPLE when I get thru with it!

[BOB'S 283]

dude ...good thing you get to rest at work . thought i was bad !!!!

[Eriktheviking]

Been takin 4 day weekends,Got to GIT-R-DONE! Keep us posted on how you make out.Should be an interesting day!

[Eriktheviking]

Bob, Got my engine back in the Cuda. Running, NO, but its in there! How did you make out? GIT-R-IN-DA-WATER?

[Enforcer 24]

You guys kill me.. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I take it we all like Larry the Cable Guy. GIT-R-DONE! Oh man I appologize, but you gotta admit, that is funny, I don't care who you are, that's funny right there! Not to change the subject, but Erik, where are the "beer buddies" in yer last few posts?

[Eriktheviking]

Here ya go http://checkmate-boats.com/groupee/forums/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/beer1.gif http://checkmate-boats.com/groupee/forums/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/beer1.gif http://checkmate-boats.com/groupee/forums/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/beer1.gif http://checkmate-boats.com/groupee/forums/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/beer1.gif Have a good one

[BOB'S 283]

ran it for about 30 minutes. scotty , i need more prop !!!! have a couple to try before i attempt to buy. maybe tomorrow ! have a little chirp sound , maybe baffle in silent choice , hope its not in the coupler or someplace . gotta look at that some more . starts good etc .so i guess i shouldn't bitch . i have seen enough big block for a while and hope that we have some little cheeks in thongs at the marina this year . let the games begin !!!!!!

[Eriktheviking]

Is the chirp at even intervals like a cylinder firing? I wasn't aware of any baffles in the silent choice set up. Always something to drive ya nuts http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gif Have a Coors Light and think about it http://checkmate-boats.com/groupee/forums/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/beer1.gif

[BOB'S 283]

the chirp is at even intervals , mostly noticable w/exhaust going through transom . it always had a little noise (metal flapper flapping) in the exhaust before. old noise is gone now we have a chirp . however we added 2-3 inches of inside water jacket to the tail pipe to mix the water further back and now i have a hot spot in the silent choice (corsa) ,so maybe tomorrow i will be opening that up again and expect that the rubber hose is cutting off some of the cooling water in that one little area. add to that an oil leak somewhere where the remote oil filter lines attach to the block ? i did open it up and try a couple props , first time out blowing the speedo tube off the speedo . first try , 6-7 mph gain speedo . gps to follow. only had one beer . wayyyyy to tense !!!

[Eriktheviking]

Well Bob,I tell ya my Barracuda was doing the same thing when I bought it 21 Years ago.It had a burnt exhaust valve and the compressed cylinder air would whistle thru it and make that chirping sound.Its hard to guess without hearing it but one senario would be that an exhaust valve hasn't fully seated or got bent. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/irked.gif Or the exhaust diverter plates in your Silent choice are bad ? Just throwing a couple ideas at ya.Did you talk to Jack or Jason about it? http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gifGOT-HEADACHE-YET http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gif

[Enforcer 24]

http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/zx11pissed.gifcould be a bent valve or some carbon built up around the seat. Then again, maybe it is just a bad gasket and not sealing right on manifold/riser/clamp on exhaust hose. Not too many external things. Had a 307 in a derby car that had a bad valve and once I put the "8 stack engine hatch" pipes through the hood, she whistled pretty good through #3 cylinder! It was cool to have that "teet....teet...teet" at idle but I was smashing it! Not cool for the bikini getter though. Let us know what you find Bob.

[BOB'S 283]

not sure of all the correct terms , but leaning towards exhaust diverter especially since it always had a noise there and now i have a hot spot there and when i divert exhaust thru hub its 99% gone . i dont think its in the motor . its behind it. stay tuned !!!

[BOB'S 283]

noise and hot spot problem solved in silent choice . oil leak on remote oil filter fitting also appears to have been dealt with. even fixed a cabin courtesy light and a brace under the dash. running out of stuff to fix.

[Eriktheviking]

Bob,Goods news about getting those problems cleared up.Now ,If your running out of stuff to do, stop by I'll find something to keep ya busy! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Lake must be nice and full now.What kinda prop you gonna end up with? http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/surf.gif

[BOB'S 283]

erik , expect to end up with a bravo possibly from throttle up after i try a handful that friends have offered .

[Dave's ZT260]

Bob,

Now that you have your issues resolved, how about going up and helping out Jason? He seems to need help finishing some of these projects (including mine). http://checkmate-boats.com/groupee/forums/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/yell.gif

[Eriktheviking]

What pitch,High 20's? Do you know anything about a 1990 23' Checkmate w/454 Bravo for sale in Northville? Just popped up in the want ad digest.

[BOB'S 283]

dave . everyone in the marine business is up to their ears trying to service everyone for this weekend . i actually felt bad asking my marina for help with everything going on . engine builders on the other hand , that have had 7 months to get r done ...i have less compassion for . i feel your frustration. erik . based on preliminary results , so far i'm thinking somewhere in the 24 - 26 x 4 range , unless lab finishing makes that much of a difference . i have a 25 spinelli that came off a 600 hp 25 convincor yet to try that sounds impressive. what about that bad apple ? what are you going with ?

[Eriktheviking]

Its got a solid hub 23 Mirage on it now. The original owner said it kept tearing up the rubber hubbed versions.I still haven't taken it out yet. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gifI'm cleaning up and painting the drive and then moving on to cleaning up the gel coat.After wet sanding and buffing one boat, You just don't feel like doing another. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/irked.gifFeel like going to The Sport Island Pub for a couple! http://checkmate-boats.com/groupee/forums/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/beer1.gif

[BOB'S 283]

are you using real paint or arosol ? against my better judgement we arosoled mine.....looks like chit already

[Eriktheviking]

Hey what can ya do. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/eyes.gifI'm Just using the Merc Phantom Black Spray.It would be nice to use a nice urethane on it but I'm not going that crazy with it.Its certainly a harsh environment for paint.Especially if you leave it in the lake.Here's my process.After 1st coat,you see all the flaws.Sand with 400,Spray and sand again.Eventually it smoothes out nicely.I got a new decal set too.Thats the finishing touch! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Eriktheviking]

Did you get that boat out after the pigroast? Or is the lake too full of crap.I've only got about 1/4 of the boat wet sanded and buffed.Its a slow process.The river was nice on Sunday.Not too much stuff in it and hardly any people.

[BOB'S 283]

well . i don't envy you with sanding and buffing at this time of the year . we probably all need bigger garages so we can enjoy these projects more durring the winter. i'm embarrassed to say , i still have the oil leak . i don't think its something loose anymore . possibly a cracked fitting or i'm wondering if there is an o ring under that block off plate for the remote oil filter. we've been trying to get it w/o taking the engine out again or taking a chain saw to the stringer .next plan is to remove the header etc and entire remote oil filter assembly and put it on the bench .ask me how i like boating so far this year !!!!!!

[Eriktheviking]

Well that BLOWS http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/irked.gif

[BOB'S 283]

ok so i checked this thing on gps today ,speedo 79-80 at 5200-5400rpm.....gps 70. so i picked up almost 10 per speedo with this motor .didn't think to checkspeedo at last years wot 70 to see if i was really only doing 60 ! i also called throttle up for a prop today . she's trying to tell me i need a 21 quad 4 hydomotive if i want to see 5500 rpm. does that sound really small ?

[Dave's ZT260]

what prop and speed are you running now?

[BOB'S 283]

with a borrowed 25 mirage ,70mph at 5200-5400 on gps flat water 1/2 tank 2people. going to try a worked 4 blade spinelli today i hope. the boat feels great .

[Eriktheviking]

Bob,Check out ebay # 2484220120.Its a pair of labbed 26 Bravo one props.Keep the right hand and sell the left. RISENSHINE! GIT-R-DIALED-IN

[Eriktheviking]

Hey Bob,Another lovely day in upstate New York http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gifNOT! Anyway did you get that thing to behave yet? GOT MATCHES? http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Dave T]

Do any of you guys know I could I could get A 22 bravo or 21 hydro Quad 4 to try.
Dave

[Z06]

Throttle Up Propellers (http://www.throttle-up.com)

Talk to Julie

[Z06]

Delete

[BOB'S 283]

had to take a break from the prop search. and just clean it up and party some . went back to the original mach 4 blade , no worse than anything else.

[BOB'S 283]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Z06:
http://www.throttle-up.com

Talk to Julie <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>z06 .....no disrespect to anyone , but she was the first that i talked to . she suggested a 19 inch 4 blade hydro ... i know she's the expert but i couldn't buy that theory when i can spin a 24 bravo to the desired 5500 rpm

[Eriktheviking]

SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD PLAN TO ME ,BOB.BOY, THAT THING WOULD BE SINGIN WITH A 19 ON HER. HEY DAVE T.,I'D LIKE TO TRY THOSE PROPS OUT TOO.THINK I CAN DO BETTER THAN A 23 MIRAGE.

[Dave T]

Eric,
I dont no if they will work better than A 23 mirage.I have a 21 now and rpms are to high.I usealy run the 23 turbo.I tryed A bunch of merc props(mirage,mirage plus and the revo 4 demo props)He didnt have any bravos .I thought Revolotion 4 blade had A better ride (less top end) than the mirage but I would like to try the bravo and the hydro before I buy anything.Then If I ever get The engine done http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gifI will probely have to step up A pitch or two
Dave