In April 2002, we decided to upgrade from a pristine 103 hr Chris Cat to something with more performance. The Udderly Fantastic/Cat Can Do 35 Motion had a few years earlier been retired a converted to pleasure. Knowing its race history, (world kilo record, successful modified career) we felt the boat would meet our needs. As advertised, fresh Chief 588 ci blower motors, Big shaft #4's on boxes, race prepped bottom, Skater trailer and many more features promoted the purchase.

The boat was delivered to Texas from Miami after 4000 rpm sea trial (bad props). A survey was ordered, minor problems corrected, and off to the lake we go.

However, problems began to surface. Each time out, a strong fuel odor was present, but difficult to locate. A missing engine prompted replacement of both coils and ignition modules. Valve lash was adjusted ( found 2 rocker arm trunions upside down), filters changed etc. Performance improved. After three trips to the local pond, the crash boxes were replaced with new BAM transmissions to simplify docking. The above photos are of the 5th outing, one of the last great Poker Runs at Lake Texoma. The boat ran well but the knock sensors alarmed causing concern. Also, the fuel odor increased.

After the Poker Run, we performed a leak down and compression test finding 16 to 53% leakage acorss all cylinders on both motors.

We also located the fuel odor. Both fuel tanks had ruptured and were leaking fuel into the foam holding them in place. This was not a small leak. Gallons of fuel had accumulated around the tank.

The fun begins.........

Over the past 7 years, the boat has been stripped to the last screw and rebuilt to show quality. We will show this process for those of you interested in restoring your own boat, seeing problems that can be found purchasing a used boat, or simply wish to follow the process. Please feel free to critique, ask questions, or make suggestions at your convenience.

The engines were removed and disassembled to determine why the cylinders were leaking so bad. We found the "three year old" "fresh" Chief engines were a culmination of parts dating back to 1988 as stamped C&G (Cobra's original name). The head gaskets had failed as a result of the cylinders being bored WAY off center. It was determined an over-bore to 4.600 would not correct the problem - scrap the blocks.
The iron Merlin heads had been highly ported. While great for performance, the loose guides could not be replaced - scrap the heads.
Rocker bearings were loose, pushrods,lifters, valves badly worn - scrap the valvetrain.
The 1988 C&G cranks were 4.50 stroke. While the pistons were new, the pin location was low causing a clearance problem between the pistons and crank weights. What did they do? - machine the bottom of the piston of course.
Scrap the 1988 cranks and rods. Scrap the pistons.

Superchargers leaking oil out of both bearing plates - replace the superchargers.

OK, time to find some new power.

Chief engines

We found the original wiring to be a little rough and decided the restoration would include all new wiring.

Lets see it all guys!!!! Your boat is amazing and the rigging is just astonishing. Great job and keep the pics coming. Oh yea, I like the runway lights on the trailer!!!

Chris

original wiring

more wiring

Thanks for the kind words Chris!