So after a nice few days of great running with no apparent problems I noticed that while I was just cruising along...the bilge pump was running nearly constantly.

I stopped with both engines running and opened the engine hatches...4" of water swirling in the bilge towards the bilge pump pick up and water cascading off of the top of the port engine starter. I figure it's a hose and head in. Got her out of the water on the trailer and back to the house. Once home I hooked up the muffs and ran the port engine to have a look. Long story short...a hole has developed in the freeze plug that is right above the starter!!

So now I have all sorts of night mares running through my head as to why this is happening...and if one freeze plug is rotted how long till the other 7 let go. Wonder what the water jackets look like?

After some consideration and consultation...I am about to re-power this boat ...totally. I have decide to meet the need of increased performance along with the reliability of a conservative approach. I am about to install 2: new GM Vortec roller cam crate engines with carburetors producing 325 horsepower each along with new Y pipes and new Alpha 1 drives.

A fresh start for this solid old Formula but also one that will produce a level of performance and reliability commensurate with the Formula lineage. A total of 650 horse power in the water floating around in a 5600 lb. vessel with a 24 degree dead- rise deep vee hull should be a bit peppy to say the least and still run on 87 octane fuel. Having twin small blocks does have an advantage in that I don't have to build something wild and crazy in a boat this size to get it moving. I seriously considered stroker 383's but decided against it for 2: reasons..1) Reliability would be compromised in staying with the Alpha drive platform and 2.) changing over to twin Bravo dives would quickly double the cost of this entire project. To be sure...the ability to have 800+ horsepower on the transom is appealing but when the "bang for the buck" curve takes a drop like a brick...I felt it was time to rein this idea in a bit.

Even with this conservative approach...according to the BAM Marine Speed Calculator, this boat with 650 horsepower has the potential to run at 70+ MPH with 1000 lbs of fuel and passengers aboard...which would equate to a full tank and 2: adults on board.

After this re-power is complete I think this 255 Formula Liberator will probably be about the quickest and most reliable 255 Liberator running.

Stay tuned...it's going to be fun

So does this new endeavour mean no mint interceptor for you?
I'm stoked to see you get some fresh power and where it leads. What do u think you'll run for props ? Stick with the 21p bravos?

Mike...I am still very interested in that 233 Interceptor ...there seems to be a lot of drama associated with that deal. I asked the seller to look into what trailers might be available in that area ...even at the marina where it is being stored and I have not heard from her since last week. I am sort of in the wait and see mode on that one.

As far as props on the re power of my 255, I'll probably break it in with 21"'s and possibly move to 23"'s once I get some time on the engines.

How is your Interceptor project progressing? Aren't you in the Pacific NW?...ever heard of these guys?

http://motorworksengines.com/index.php?pr=MARINE_CHEVY

How much are the Vortec engines? I built my 388 for less than any Crate engine I could find.....