The Rtech/Konrad Conversion
07-01-2005, 02:51 PM
#1
The Rtech/Konrad Conversion
Here are a few shots of the Rtech project boat that will be making the rounds to many poker runs in the south/southeast. We have several objectives for this project.
1) To see how much boost we can safely run using the Rtech supercooler on 9.4:1 502/502 crate engines.
2) To test the Konrad 540 drives replacing the TRS drives that came on the boat. They are guaranteed for 740 ft-lbs torque. They also raise the propshaft 1.65" over the TRS.
3) To test the BAM Supercyborg 1350 transmissions replacing the Borg Warner 72s that came on the boat. We aren't going to come close to their torque capacity.
4) Of course we are using Nickerson carbs.
5) To test the Hydromotive P5s with the higher drive height.
1) To see how much boost we can safely run using the Rtech supercooler on 9.4:1 502/502 crate engines.
2) To test the Konrad 540 drives replacing the TRS drives that came on the boat. They are guaranteed for 740 ft-lbs torque. They also raise the propshaft 1.65" over the TRS.
3) To test the BAM Supercyborg 1350 transmissions replacing the Borg Warner 72s that came on the boat. We aren't going to come close to their torque capacity.
4) Of course we are using Nickerson carbs.
5) To test the Hydromotive P5s with the higher drive height.
07-01-2005, 03:02 PM
#2
Re: The Rtech/Konrad Conversion
Older boats are heavier and need the power to take on the newer, lighter boats out there. But if you put supercharged engines in an older boat, you really need to upgrade the trannies and drives to take the punishment. A complete conversion like this isn't cheap but if you like your current boat, converting it is cheaper than buying new with big power.
Last edited by tomcat; 07-01-2005 at 03:36 PM.
07-01-2005, 03:07 PM
#3
Re: The Rtech/Konrad Conversion
Inside the box you can see the Nickerson prepped blowthrough carb and the arrangement of the intercooler and discharge tube. The complete installation is only 1" higher than a stock HP500 carb engine.
07-01-2005, 03:34 PM
#4
Re: The Rtech/Konrad Conversion
Previously the boat went 80 with 29 Hydromotive four blade on the TRS drives and 500 HP. With the higher Konrad drive we expected planing to more difficult, but it still pops up without blowing out. With Bravo 28s the Konrad drives increased speed to 83. The prop change was due to the 1.25" propshaft diameter on the Konrad drive. Then we put on the supercharger system with the largest pulleys we could find. Now the boat runs 90 at just under 5000 RPM using 30 Hydromotive P5s. With the five blade props the boat will take lots of throttle coming on to plane without blowing out. The five blades are likely costing a bit of top end but with only 2.5 psi we are happy with the 7 mph increase. The next pulley size on the blowers should give 4-5 psi and we'll see how the boat likes that.
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