Come help me finish assembling these 509s! LOL

Shew, Once that house is clear of the 'rona - I am all in buddy. I would like to plan a weekend down there in April to hang out. My March is starting to look at screwed as February was with work.

Since I can't sleep much anyway, I spent a good amount lying awake last night thinking about all the stuff that needs to be done before the engines go back in; there's a lot! And I've got the Cigarette here too. I've lost a month to this virus crap.

April sounds like a plan!

I need a picture of that yard with both the monsters sleeping in it.

Yes lets see them both!!!

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Wayne (Hollowpoint) and me back in October from when we moved the Bullet to my place to finish rigging.

Thats awesome Tom, It looks like there is plenty of room for the 357 to come down there and spend the weekend. :)

Been toying with the idea of a Bimini trip. Its definitely on my bucket list. We should get these old birds together and journey together.

I would love to do it, hopefully everyones Tow Boat US is up to date :)

Can not wait to see your boats guys. I dig the Superboat I purchased but definitely miss the Fastech. Hope to see you all soon.

Boats better be sound that's all I can say!

Same here Chris!

Well, I ending up picking up a 1989 272 SR1 with newer Gen V 454 and Newer Bravo Drives today. I have never owned two Formula's at once and this was an impulse. But, she may not last long, have a lot of people wanting it. Come on warm weather, I am ready to start turning some wrenches!
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I think you enjoy that while you build the 357

Nice

Happy Monday Formula Family, the 357SR1 got dropped off at the tire shop today for seven new tires. The tail pipes are currently being fabricated and I hope to have all the metal at the powdercoaters by the end of the week. Its time to get busy. The 272SR1 was moved over into the shop last week for compression and leak down test - had to install three new batteries last weekend. I tell you what, the 272SR1 with twin BBC is a tight fit, good lord, especially with all the trim and tab pumps mounted behind the bench seat, those will be getting relocated to the sides of the engine bay soon. Its been a busy week, also currently putting new stringers and floors in my buddies deck boat. Stay tuned!

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If you drop a wrench In the engine compartment on the 272 call it gone for good or remove a motor. Ask me how I know🤣

I’ve got some powerful magnets on a long shaft just for that purpose. A TRS 311 is no fun either trust me.

Just a quick update here...

357SR1: New tires installed, platform color has been chosen (RAL 6027) and should be done within three weeks. The tailpipes are in progress and I am being told they will be done by Friday. I will be bringing her to the house this weekend to get the windshield torn down and the detailer will be here next week to attend to the transom and give her gelcoat the spring treatment. I will also start the top end gasket replacement next week.

272SR1: New Manifolds and Risers have been ordered, tongue jack was replaced last week. Compression tests yielded some questionable numbers (130 to 150) so I began disassembly to pull the heads off and have a look inside. Unfortunately the manifold bolts are trashed with rust so I will be cutting those off to get it disassembled. I have a good friend that is interested in purchasing it as-is but I am waiting to see the money. For now, I will be moving forward as if I were to keep it as a spare boat.

I do have an interested buyer for the 357SR1 but we will see how things progress in the coming weeks. The buyer is eager for her and offered a reasonable price to purchase her so I have also been exploring newer Fastech's since the older bird's are becoming harder to find. I would like to get on a 292 Fastech to get a first hand grasp on the overall size and fit. I have been on my cousin's 271 Fastech but I was not a fan compared to the older birds so we will see how a larger one feels.

Today was detail day, my detail guy came out and put in seven hours on the hull as a follow up to the restoration he performed late last year. I am more than impressed with his skills and price. If anyone is looking for a solid guy to get their boat ready here in the Eastern Shore of Maryland area, let me know. The pictures don’t do the finish any justice. Also, put all of the decals on order today, name - registration - hailing port along with all of the engine gaskets.


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Wow man looking good!!!!

Already, here is where we stand...

1. Tails should finally be finished up today then I can polish them this week.

2. Platform and Beauty Rings are set to be done tomorrow at the powder coaters

3. Graphics install is scheduled for June 14

4. Port Engine is currently torn down, found two cracks on the even bank cylinder head and looking for a replacement today. Posted in Wanted.

5. Windshield should be getting tinted next week, weather permitting.

6. The used tips are polished and ready for install

7. I found IMRON in a spray can and used it to touch up the graphics on the transom and bow. I also modified the factory graphic to wrap back to itself since I removed the Silent Thunder platform.

8. My trailer has been descaled and polished.


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Looking good

Update,

Found a cracked cylinder head, picked up a new set from Sick Stinger this week and they are getting dropped off today to be inspected/cleaned.

transom is 90% complete, still need to wet sand, install hooks and paint drives.

Tailpipes should be done today.


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The color match on your do aluminum swim platform is fantastic. Do you have paint codes for the two blues on your boat?

F14,

Here is the color chart from Formula Vintage Department.

For powdercoat on the beauty plates and platform the closest match I found to the Ocean color was RAL6027 for the brand of powder my vendor uses.

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Josh, you’re killing it with this boat. Can’t wait to see you on the water.

Chris

Thanks Chris! I hope to see you soon, at least before the Tiki Lee Shootout!

thanks

thanks

Shew, having a bear of a time on this home stretch. I had to have the tails cut apart and fabricated again due to the lackluster job of the first fabricator. The second one I found in Preston, MD and he did a superb job. I used Marty Brown Racing Engines in Centreville MD to do the head work and they also did a great job, no delays with either vendor. The new graphics were installed by JD Signs in Felton, DE and they absolutely killed the installation.

So everything was looking good to get on the water today but I can’t get the manifolds to seal to the heads, it started pouring on me at the ramp when I was setting my timing so I am cringing as I’m typing this because I hate when the boat sees any rain.

Once this rain lets up, I am going to pull the manifolds again and see if I can figure out why they are not sealing. It’s both sides on all ports.

In the meantime, here are some picture…


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I love the simple changes you made. Looks good man

Thanks Rob! Almost as good as the red one you sent me, haha!

Looking great. Do you think it’s possible the exhaust bolts are bottoming out? I doubt it’s the surfaces with a brand new gasket unless they are really gnarled. I’m sure you have already figured it out. Back to the ramp tomorrow?

After many cuss words I figured out the issue, the ARP head bolt kit doesn’t allow for enough clearance with the Factory Gil Offshore Manifolds on the lower 4 bolts. It was causing the slightest misalignment with the bottom sealing surface (less than 1/16”) so I swapped the lower four with factory head bolts and all is well, no more leaks. Just ran down the river for two hours and all temps and pressures were spot on. Going to recheck compression and everything tomorrow morning to ensure there isn’t any underlying issues. She was running 42 MPH and 3600 RPM with initial timing at 14*.

ARP uses a washer sets the head of the bolt higher, the issue ?

F2,

That is correct, with it higher it would contact the manifold during the last turn on the manifold bolts.

Now, on my previous builds I used Stainless Marine Manifold and ARP bolt sets and didn’t have any clearance issues. These Gils are a little fatter I believe.

Josh, not that you want to consider this now that the boat is running (I know you're d*cking with the carbs), perhaps removing the manifolds and grinding that 1/16 or so off the bottoms would be a better fix with even clamping? I know it's a huge pain. Just thought I'd mention.

It’s winter again time for some updates!!!

They look awesome sitting in the water. Will look cool with the tinted windshield.
Can't wait to see the progress.
I have the same boat.
Cheers!