08 fastech 292

I did the same experiment this past weekend with similar results. The port engine w/o the beauty cover pulled ~200 more RPM's during acceleration coming on plane. With both covers removed, the boat planed noticeably quicker. So the beauty covers are in the garage for the rest of the season and probably for good.

I see the posts about the larger flame arrestors, so I plan to order those once I sort out the correct part number and manufacturer.

This has been a great thread.

Dave.

SB

iTrader: (1)

I have a good opinion on why the use of beauty covers outside of the more obvious reason of 'creating a look.'

I've worked on many boats where water leaks right on top of them, because of engine hatch design. ie: where the hatches open. I would not want water dripping for hrs, days, or etc on top of my flame arrestor as water can/will enter the screen parts easy as it runs off top of arrestor. Furthermore, I would be positive Manufacturers don't want water dripping on and into a flame arrestor either.

Revspan

Well, it is good to hear that the test would repeat! I really think that for the 292, the solution is to get a new arrestor(I sent a message to the company that made them to resurrect the design and make a few as I cannot find anything from Sierra, Barbron etc), lift the arrestor 4-5" from the current height with an extension pipe, build a kind of "hat" to help direct around the FA, and then duct air to the FA area. The "hat' would simply be a piece of aluminum that is larger by 2-3" in diameter than the diameter of the FA, with a shield around it....extending down and around the FA a few inches. This will help get ambient air to the FA...and not just blow by, and also help keep radiant heat from the intake area. Of course, it would not be too sealed up, so air can still move around a little. Imagine a large frypan upside down on top of the FA, with a cutout for the 4" air duct from the air inlet. With all of this, it could also be possible to put the beauty cover back on....maybe it could be integrated somehow too.
After all this...the engine intake will be as good as it can get without cutting fiberglass....which is not in the works.

Still all of this needs some work. The piping is easy.....and afternoon project. The "hat" is a little work for a fab shop. Finding a FA seems to be one of the biggest issues right now. I found a K&N one that could work, but really would like the Barbron version to make sure the safety functionality of the FA is not questioned. The K&N is not a direct bolt on.

08 fastech 292

Let me know if you find someone to make the FA as long as they fit properly and are CG compliant. I'll take two.

Dave

COOPS

iTrader: (2)

looks like I should start making FA kits!

I have an idea for an adapter that would make any carb FA work. I have to layout some material to see if it will work.

It would even offset the larger filter to clear the throttle linkage and offer a standard center stud mount to be used.

SB

iTrader: (1)

Do it - and I'll help sell'm, just got to give me decent wholesale pricing.

Revspan

Well enough talk...I am moving forward. Turns out that the 496 air FA will fit right on the TB. This should flow more than enough, and it will clamp right on as it does on the 496. This will actually make things a lot easier for a number of reasons. The look will be different, but the function will be great.

So, I hope to get the new FAs before the weekend, and do some testing. It could even be the case that I can get the tubing done....so I will have most of it done.

Here is the FA I am putting on.

ARRESTOR-FLAME Mercruiser 862537T

4mulafastech

Here is the latest from Revspan:

Here we go.* This is simply the parts put together without any idea if they fit.* From what I see, there are two option, one is the quick route to the FA, the other uses the 180 deg turn, which should wrap around the Bimini shelf and can move the pipe forward a little so the angle to the FA is a little better.* I like this idea as I would drill a few small holes in the 180 to assure water can drain.* Need to get it into the boat and decide what is best....but I think that a few cuts, some fab work to make some hangers and it should be good to go.
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Looks like some nice hardware Kai! Anxious to hear how the new flame arrestors work for you.

SB

iTrader: (1)

Cool !

Pics from a previous post.

SB

iTrader: (1)

If you can trim 'beauty cover' it may look Merc 565ish.