OK, update time. Took a lot longer to get the motor back together than it should have, but its together now. So here's the rundown. As mentioned before, either number 8 cylinder got hot, or sucked something in with the reversion (I personally think its the latter of the two) and the cylinder got scuffed. Well, when I went looking for .040 over pistons, they aren't readily available and would have to be custom made. So instead of spending $1500 on custom pistons, I bought one new piston to match the rest and a new block. I ended up going with an iron block this go around for a few of reasons. First was my corrosion issue, second was I wanted the extra strength of the iron block for future plans (boost), third was I actually wanted the extra weight (96lbs) to balance the boat better and lastly, cost. The iron block was a couple hundred bucks compared to almost a thousand for an aluminum one. So the motor was completed and dyno'd the week before July 4th. This time on the dyno we played with the ignition system more and I am waaaay happier with the way it runs now. The motor actually utilizes a MAP sensor now and builds the same power as it did before but with 6 degrees less timing. It starts and runs like an EFI motor with the timing retarded at idle. So even though it took a few months longer than I wanted to get the engine back, I am a happy camper with how it turned out.
So here is what I did for the cooling set up. It is open cooling again, and here is why. After talking not only to Hardin Marine, but a few other people that have used the closed cooling set ups, they lose a lot of their cooling capability when you go over 500hp. Since I am north of that number, that wasn't going to work. So I am still running Hardin's accessories, just as an open cooling system. Here is what I received from them, and boy it sure is pretty!!!!
That's their stainless Merc style raw water pump, 100amp alternator, PS pump and a circulating pump with tensioner. The circulating pump is what I really think the engine needed. This is kind of a crappy pic, since the engine is still on the transport pallet, but here it is installed.
So I got the motor dropped in shortly after this and got all the new plumbing work done. I think it turned out really well with the only bad part being that all my new bling bling billet accessories are now hidden by the back seat!!! But oh well, if they work, it'll be worth it. We dropped the motor in on the same scales as last time out at Nick's (ndaniels on here) farm because I wanted to see how much weight I gained with the new accessories and iron block. It picked up 120lbs is all, making the final dressed weight of the engine 660lbs. Still 500lbs less than the dressed 454 I took out of the boat!!! Here is a pic of the engine re-installed (don't mind the kinked blower hose, it was fixed before I took the boat out, lol)
Well, I got this all done just in time for the Checkmate Owners Rally last weekend at Cumberland. So, with no water testing, I hooked to it and pulled the old girl down to Grider Hill and dropped her in. Again, the new tune in the ignition amazes me. I don't even have to touch the throttle at all to fire it up or keep it running. It fires off in a matter of seconds and sits there and idles at 850rpm (750-800 in gear) all day long, and sounds amazing IMO. Here is a video my buddy Rich took of me backing into our slip when we arrived Friday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G78vls62bV4
So now to the good part. With no testing time other than that idle into the slip, I decided screw it, we're making the lunch run on Saturday which was right at a 40 mile round trip. I mean hell, it should work right? Well, it did!! The boat jumped up on plane and I checked all the gauges and the one that made me happiest was that it was holding 15psi of water pressure cruising at 3500 rpms (40mph). The only thing I noticed was that it wasn't charging like it should, but I fixed that later. So I kept a close eye on things and never took it over 40 mph on the way to the restaurant. The route to the lunch stop took us past the Jamestown/State Dock area which anyone who has ever been to Cumberland knows with all the boat traffic there, it can get pretty rough. This where I really noticed the extra weight that was taken out of the boat. She really like to fly now!!!! I was having a blast!!! I am also glad that I added the extra 120lbs into the back of the boat because she flew straight and flat as well!!! On the way back from lunch we were heading to a rope swing location on the lake to do a little raft up. When I was cruising into the cove the water smoothed out and nobody was around so I figured, its now or never...... so I put the throttle handle down!!! I can't believe how the thing pulled!!!! No way this is a small block!!!! I trimmed it just a little and watched the tach. Took her up to about 5400rpm and let off of it. While I was idling back into the tie up spot I hit the recall on the GPS speedo..... 71mph!!!!! I still have another 1000rpms and lots of trim to go!!!! Needless to say, I did the "Happy Dance" right then and there, literally, danced a jig in the boat!! I had spent the last two years working and spending money on something that I really didn't know if it would work or not.....well, it does!! That was with a full tank of fuel, my wife and all of our crap. I can't wait to get out on it with just me in the boat, less fuel and really string her out to see what she can do!!!
I'll keep updating the thread as I tweek stuff and get to do some more testing with her. Hopefully I'll get my wife to get a good blow by vid too!!
great job. When you change weight ithe boat handling changes, found that out. Best of luck to you and it sounds like you may need more prop!!!