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…

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!