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'79 Formula 255 Liberator Update

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Old 04-14-2013 | 08:32 PM
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That is very good news John, very good. Will be interested in seeing how it shakes out as you learn the new power. What carbs were you running?

Brian
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Old 04-14-2013 | 08:48 PM
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Congrats! All that hard work is paying off. I'm sure the performance of your 255 is sure to surprise a few people on the water.
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Old 04-14-2013 | 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by befu
That is very good news John, very good. Will be interested in seeing how it shakes out as you learn the new power. What carbs were you running?

Brian
Brian...today it was a pair of 750 CFM Big Block Q Jet marine refurbs from National carburetor.
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Old 04-14-2013 | 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 4mulafastech
Congrats! All that hard work is paying off. I'm sure the performance of your 255 is sure to surprise a few people on the water.
Thanks for your words...I can say this with certainty...it surprised the heck out of me. Seriously...when you engineer something....calculating what the end result will be and the expectations are not only met...but exceeded...makes you feel pretty damn good.
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Old 04-14-2013 | 09:09 PM
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Congrats John. Glad to hear it. A lot of work and you finally get the ride. Lol. Performance sounds great also.
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Old 04-14-2013 | 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by sprink58
OK...I am pleased to say the least!!!

Got in the water late and ran around a bit to make sure I had no leaks or mechanical issues. We need to adjust the shift cable on the port drive because reverse isn't working as it should. I think we reversed some wires some where on the starboard trim pump ...but I overcame it for a quick run to get a feel for how this combo will focus in.

In any case...with 2: aboard and 3/4 fuel load with 23" Mirage props...neutral tabs...drive position neutral...Full Throttle, bow up...back off to 1/2 throttle...we are on plane at 25 MPH. Throttle up to 3500...about 45 MPH...pull the drives out a bit...50~55 MPH...throttle up to 4500 we got 63~65 and there is lot of stick left. I pulled drives out just a bump of the switches and a little change but not much...throttle up all the way the motors jumped to 5000 and I don't see my handheld GPS ..it's on the floor somewhere...but this thing is pulling like no tomorrow and I see 5400 and quickly back down to 4000.I brought the drives in a bit and settled into a nice high speed cruise. My mechanic ran to the back of the cockpit to get the GPS before it bounces into the bilge. We were running with no interior, engine hatch, rear seat...only the twin pedestals that are about to leave for the McLeod Bolsters. I slowed to about 3500 that feels like 50 ish and turn back to the ramp. As we came off a plane we took turns looking in the bilge for leaks, etc....all is good. Water temp was 165* oil temp was 185~190. We put the 255 back on the trailer and back to the shop for final rigging adjustments and to put the interior back together. I had to fiddle around with the GPS to get it to come back on...hopefully it's ok.

In summary...so far my 255 performs better than expected. The torque that these motors produce effortlessly push this boat across the water. The weight distribution is perfect and the boat feels well balanced. I think the 23" Mirage are close to perfect...I might try Mirage plus to drop the RPM down a bit but this thing accelerates like a bullet!! The engines are very smooth and produce power all the way thru 5000 RPM and beyond...in fact at 5400 they were still pulling strong with no fall off in performance. I think we were running 70+ before I backed out. I never had chine walk at all...possibly attributable to the Bravos. Even though it has that solid "Formula" feel I for sure will be doing a kill lanyard and getting a Life Line Vest. This rig with the power it has could hurt you bad if you let it.

I am very tempted to take a few days vacation this week to play around with this thing but as luck would have it I am slammed all week. I need to calm down and have a few beers...I am high as a kite over how things are turning out...stay tuned...."Color Me Gone" is back on the water.

Congrats! This is awesome, all the hard work is finally paying you back Kudos!
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Old 04-14-2013 | 10:11 PM
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Wow that sounds great!!! What a ride !! It would be great to get to watch someone take thier old girl out with new power for the first time!! Amazing!!!
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Old 04-15-2013 | 07:02 PM
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Hey congrats many of us have been following your thread, this is great news to have your first ride go so well. I know my stomach would have been upside down getting the boat in the water for the first time.

mark
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Old 04-15-2013 | 07:07 PM
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Thanks for all the well wishes. I have some electrical gremlins to sort out over the next few days and maybe I can go play this weekend!!

Now watch it rain...I don't care...I've got a full enclosure so bring it!!
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Old 04-15-2013 | 07:16 PM
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At least you did not forget your drain plug. Awesome ordeal, congrats.
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