Yup, I have the black manifolds and the extra height long risers.
I sure hope this is my solution. I want to spend some time and effort on cosmetics. My cover is ancient, and my stern seat isn't torn but it's old and crummy. I'd also like to have some time to redo my electrics, most of them llok like they are from 1987 the year my hull was built. My exterior is good though, The work I put into polish and compound was worthwhile. I get compliments at the docks from guys who realize it's an 80's boat.
I have the GGB inserts too. They really do lower the bark. I was wondering if they were part of the issue. Maybe I can put them back in to lower the decibels a bit.
I grew up across from Braun Bay before it became the hangout it is now. We'd ski right around Gline's Island which is now a no wake zone.

I'm 50. We were the 1st generation of hang out partiers there (ie: lots and lots of boats partying )when I was 17/18. So, later 80's.Are you older ? If not, it was going on ! And better than now since less police involvement and no rafting rules and etc. Pre-internet and smartphones, so not much evidence thank god ! we still go there most Sundays, so less rowdy. Your area too....Sundays also. Boat doesn't use much gas.

You'll love this - this aphibian car got pulled over in your area(Alton Bay) several years ago . LOL. My wife must have taken 100 photos. hah !

why did they get pulled over?

Our lake patrol does a lot of pulling over for dubious reasons. I suppose it keeps folks from getting hurt.
I saw one in the water outside the marine patrol hqtrs the year before last. I think the skipper was being smart and staying out of the deep chop outside that cove. Bet that thing would sink like a stone.

I just hope my exhaust never gets db tested. It sounds to me as if it might fail.

Yup, I'm older, but I'm still working. Don't drink as much beer as I used to force down. I think I am maturing.

Breaking the speed limit ? Kidding.

Who knows really. Probably being checked for reg/ life jackets/etc...was funny though. Cop ran'm, down quick ! Had'm for like 20min before we bailed and they where still pulled over.

and the water cops wonder why people hate them.

NHGuy - what headgasket are you using and where is it being damaged ?

Oops, look above in post 8. I am using a .017 shim gasket. With an OE block that puts quench at .042 with my forged flat tops. But this time I copper coated the HG and retorqued after the first run. First time it was installed dry.
BTW I ran the engine today on a stand with the results I was looking for. The exhaust manifolds were a touch damp after the run but not the burbling sound and 3 or 4 ounces water in each manifold I had with the cam retarded. When I unbolted them no water fell out at all.
My neighbor gave me a hand standing up the gantry.
I'm working a short-ish day tomorrow. Tomorrow night I want to put some wire loom on the engine wiring to make it presentable. It looks like a hellish bird's nest right now.
And hopefully the install will happen Sunday.

So, since the cam was -4 installed and now +4,you have removed 8 degrees overlap from ATDC - ie when piston is going down with exhaust valve open.