1999 Longhorn Nautique Restoration Thread
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48209
Printed Date: December-02-2024 at 12:37pm
Topic: 1999 Longhorn Nautique Restoration Thread
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Subject: 1999 Longhorn Nautique Restoration Thread
Date Posted: November-11-2019 at 10:46am
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Hey PN, A couple months ago I posted in the new member section about a boat that was recently passed down to me. The official Nautique model is a 1999 Sport Nautique but we call it the "Longhorn Nautique" or "Ol' Horney". The reason being, in 99, my dad special ordered this boat from correct craft with a burnt orange color scheme and logos authorized by The University of Texas. Since taking delivery, my family has put over 4000 hours on this boat. As a result, the boat needs a lot of love. Now that the she is mine and after months of research and planning, I have officially begun restoring her. The goal is rebuild the boat better than when it left the factory while improving its performance and technology. Most importantly, the boat needs to remain tasteful. Here's a list of items we will be tackling this winter. -The GT40 351 is the original numbers matching block (the engine has been overhauled twice in its lifetime but the block is the original). Engine will be rebuilt. Goal is 500 hp, 500 ft lbs, and maybe 60 mph with a 3-blade prop. -The deck of the boat will be removed, all fiberglass will be properly fixed (lots of small repairs over the years, not all of them done right). -New gelcoat over the entire deck, hull, and interior walls and floor will be sprayed. -Complete Seakdek flooring will be installed. Floors, gunnel steps, interior walls, etc. -Dash pod will be modified (after I make a mold of the original for future re-manufacturing ). It will be wrapped in a tan vinyl or marine leather of some sort with stitching. -New gauges, switch, and radio panels with push button start built by New Wire Marine. -New upholstery and new panels for every piece. -Tower will be refurbished. There are some cracks and lots of holes from different speakers and lights throughout the years. Although, I have considered ordering a new tower from New Dimensions. We will see. -Interior will be brought back to oem patterns but I will be adding some small details that should make it stand out when you look close. I'll also be incorporating an observer seat with flip down backrest for a Ski Nautique 206 so I can have more seating next to the driver. Lastly, I will be using a jump seat from a Ski Nautique 200 to add an additional seat behind the driver. -Windshield, vents, and all metal parts throughout the boat including the engine support plates will be powder-coated black. -All chrome will be restored. -Ski pylon will be re-anodized. -Complete JL Audio System with bow speakers. -Full LED lighting. -Perfect pass added (would love to go Zero Off but I dont want to mess with making a drive by wire throttle compatible with the Holley multi port fuel injection that will used on the engine). Goal is to have this all done by May 2020 (I hope). Here a couple photos of Ol' Horney in pre-restoration state:     ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Replies:
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-11-2019 at 10:49am
This morning the boat will be taken down to McQueeney, Texas to have the engine pulled and start addressing all of the glass work that needs to be done. I spent the weekend taking the boat down to a bare hull and deck. All wiring and harnesses have been removed along with virtually every other part within the boat. Once, all of the glass, gelcoat, and seadek is done, it will go to San Antonio for upholstery and then back to my garage for final assembly and wiring. It's gonna be brand new when we are done!!!        ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-11-2019 at 10:51am
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Throughout the next couple months, I will be putting a couple items up for sale: -Complete GT40 fuel injection system with complete harness, ECU, fuel system, injectors, new FCC high and low pressure components, etc. The whole package. - 1.23: 1 40 series transmission -Complete exhaust system from the manifolds back. Hull hugger muffler and down pipes are in great shape. -Possibly an FCT2 tower ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: M3Fan
Date Posted: November-11-2019 at 11:04am
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Wow, awesome project. I love the color. Hopefully it goes back to being a "sport" Nautique graphically though the extent of the Longhorn fandom is truly impressive. New trailer too? Nice. Since this is an open checkbook restoration why not just sell the whole GT40 and put a modern marine bobtail in there like a PCM 6.0? All the trouble to rebuild a Ford that they stopped making nearly 20 years ago into something totally bespoke to troubleshoot down the road. Plus you get ZO capability right off the bat which is worth it 10x over, maybe less so for boarding sports than slalom but it's still really really nice. ------------- 2000 SN GT40 w/99 Graphics/Gel 2016 SN 200 OB 5.3L DI https://forum.fifteenoff.com |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-11-2019 at 11:22am
Graphically, the boat will stay Longhorn Nautique because that is how it was shipped from Correct Craft. I had gone back and forth on engine choices for months, believe me. I looked at ZR409, ZR450, new 427 with dart block, etc. First thing I looked at was price vs performance. With a new 80 series transmission and either of the ZR engines, I was about 7k higher than if I were to stick with my current engine or have a new 427 built. The second thing that I kept in mind is that this boat is priceless to the family and I wanted it be restoration original as close as possible while improving the boat. I realized that the engine in this boat is still the original block and I thought, "how cool would it be to turn this original numbers matching engine into to something amazing". Since this boat already has a long story and a lot of memories behind it, I decided to stick with having the gt40 rebuilt into something special that way the "original" engine is still with the boat. Best of all, the gt40 intake manifold will be reused so it will appear stock. From a reliability stand point, I completely agree with you. This was a big concern of mine when weighing my options. After speaking with Prestige Motorsports, they were convinced they could build me something that would be able to have the crap beaten out of it and still run 1000+ hours with no issues. Part of that reliability comes from forged internals and roller components. From a air/fuel perspective, the 427 will have multi port fuel injection to keep everything consistent and smooth and will be dynoed and tuned prior to arriving in Texas. The cam that will go in the engine will be very mild and to prevent reversion. It shouldn't idle any different than a normal GT40. Last thing I considered was zero off. This boat was the first boat I learned how to slalom, trick, and jump behind. Hell, I landed my first "plop" behind this boat. From boys 1 to collegiate, I had the opportunity to use perfect pass, stargazer, and zero off. While I really wanted the newest tech (zero off) I realized that I skied just fine with perfect pass when I was growing up. Now that perfectpass is GPS based, I imagine its gotten even better. Yes, it's not Zero Off accurate but this boat isnt going to be pulling any world records lol. Perfectpass was what came in the boat so that is what I am going back to. Thanks for your reply! ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
M3Fan wrote:Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: November-11-2019 at 1:16pm
Good for you, hopefully the engine supplier has the skills and experience to get the application and tune correct for you. My only advice is to be sure that they use good cylinder heads... everything else they throw into that engine is likely to be wasted if they don't make the right choice on the cylinder heads. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-11-2019 at 1:30pm
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The cylinder heads are made by Prestige. Check our their YouTube channel Prestige Motorsports. They do some pretty amazing work! ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: November-11-2019 at 1:53pm
I hope the cylinder heads are in fact not made by Prestige. I just checked out their specs on crate engines - the 500 hp 427 is using a Dart head and they talk about it being fairly lopey idle as it requires an aggressive cam to reach 500 hp with that setup. The 520 hp version uses an AFR head and a milder cam for a better idle and more hp across the board. IMHO - That is the head/cam you are going to want not for the 20 hp but for just reliable well mannered boat use. Worth the 10% premium over the dart headed engine as long was we are spending your money. I would drop down to a 408 with AFR heads over a 427 with the Dart heads. Actual installed hp with wet manifolds and some intake restriction might not reach 520 or even 500 but definitely a monster. Get the strongest prop shaft you can - and for my money avoid the ARE shafts for this application. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: Treybizttu
Date Posted: November-11-2019 at 3:21pm
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I like it. The new trailer looks nice as well. I would listen to Joe as well. 
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Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-11-2019 at 9:50pm
Thanks for your insight. I didn't even think about that. Looks like they are using ARP heads and a milder cam. Here is the complete build sheet.      ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: Kristof
Date Posted: November-12-2019 at 7:18am
Did you get caught in the "Tetris Challenge"-hype there…? Awesome work! ------------- - Gun control means: using BOTH hands! - Money doesn't make one happy, but when it rains cats and dogs, it's still better to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle... |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: November-12-2019 at 11:56am
I think that build sheet does not say what you think it says… ARP is the brand of cylinder head bolts they are planning to use ARP doesn't make cylinder heads, AFR makes great ford heads, so does Trick Flow, in this case they list using their own house brand of cylinder heads on the build sheet. Which is a bit odd as they don't show any packages on the website that use their own brand of heads, I didn't look long and hard but you would certainly want to know more about those heads before you went with them. I am not against using budget heads for a budget based upgrade but the cylinder heads are the heart and soul of the engine to upgrade everything else and then cheap out on the heads is false economy at best. Assuming they don't engage in Dyno trickery you should still get your 500ish hp to the crankshaft with either heads but the better designed heads excel across the board and amount of time you will actually be running wide open and lightly loaded is very small – idle and the mid range is where you will live. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-12-2019 at 12:11pm
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Upon further clarification with Prestige, these are the heads that will be used: AFR Cylinder Heads, Competition Porting, Aluminum, Assembled, 58cc Chamber, 195cc Intake, Ford, Small Block, Pair Not sure why I wrote ARP. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-12-2019 at 10:10pm
Dash has been disassembled and is now at the mold shop. Couldn't believe how bad mine was once I pulled the vinyl and trim panels off. Should have myself a mold and a new dash in about two weeks. If anyone needs a 90's style Nautique dash in the future, let me know. I will have a mold!     ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-13-2019 at 3:44pm
What shaft company would you recommend outside of ARE? I thought they were one of the best? ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: November-13-2019 at 4:37pm
http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=47557&title=shaft-general-propeller-versus-are" rel="nofollow - Some previous discussion is here... ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-14-2019 at 12:05am
Windshield is disassembled and ready for powder coating! This tool made completing this a breeze.  ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-20-2019 at 1:09am
Another step forward. The engine has been pulled and dropped off at the builder. I initially was going to ship this engine up to Prestige but I decided to do more research in the local Austin area. I found a well known retired engine builder who is known in the cigarette boat racing community. I dropped the engine off at his shop this evening. When I pulled up to his garage, I was speechless. Couldn't think of a more perfect place to have a Ford 351 rebuilt consider the two incredible self built Shelby kit cars parked there. After speaking in detail with Bob about how to build a potent and extremely reliable marine engine, we decided not to build 427. We are going to build a 393 or a 408. Meeting people like this really make this restoration and the story of this boat that more special.    The deck will be coming off in the next couple days and the interior body work will begin. One item I have been brainstorming is how to incorporate a belly hard ballast tank with a sender. Cody and I went back and forth about this and then he came up with the idea of reinforcing the gunnel walls and then building integrated gunnel ballast similar to what jet boats use. This way the center ballast would be closer to the center of gravity of the boat and I would be able to have individual control of each tank. The ballast tanks will be glassed to the walls of the hull along with reinforcing the hull walls. They will be independent of the deck and gunnels. Each tank should add just under 200 lbs each. Including the factory rear tanks, this boat will have about 800 lbs of factory ballast. While not much by today’s standards, 800 lbs in this boat is a lot. I’m not a wakeboarder or surfer. I grew up skiing on a pair of cutoffs so this will be plenty for me.   ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: sport1999
Date Posted: November-20-2019 at 10:00am
| First of all, your rebuilt looks great. I would like to mention that I've never seen a built in ballast really work that well. It's a lot of work for marginal effect, plus you have to deal with long term issue like leaking. The floor space under the gunnels really make the boat feel more spacious. If you're really looking nimble ballast, I would recommend (1) 800 pound bag in the rear run by a reversible pump. (Look at Sumo Sac Long 800 as this fits almost perfect in the rear hatch.) |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-20-2019 at 10:14am
Thank you! The only reason I was leaning away front bags is because I wanted gauges to show my water level. I didn’t even think about the spaciousness of it all. With the boat completely empty and no engine, it suddenly feels huge. The only thing that is steering me away is not being able to use a gauge or a sender with bags. I don’t know why that is so important to me. Maybe I need to get over that idea. Maybe it’s a symmetry thing because the rear tanks would have gauges and senders and the front bag wouldn’t? ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: sport1999
Date Posted: November-20-2019 at 11:07am
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I won't derail your thread too much here. I owned a 99 Sport for a few years and familiar with the ballast needs for the boat. For a basic wakeboard wake I would do the following: First, if you have the stock ballast tanks in the rear, consider removing them. They don't really hold enough weight to produce a nice wake and they take up a lot of space. Just put the sumo sac (800 long) in the rear and it opens up the whole rear locker when its not in use, Second, if you don't plan to use the ski locker, add a second bag there. Install two reversible pumps in the rear locker. If it were me, I wouldn't even use the ballast gauges. If you're making a new mold, just remove them completely. On the other hand, I know some people really want to restore things to original. To each their own. |
Posted By: 67 ski nat
Date Posted: November-20-2019 at 11:58am
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You are right. The people old timers we meet along the way are half the fun I met 80 year old distributor guy, older carburetor Rebiulder and various other boat folks. Makes these projects enjoyable You are doing unbelievable job. Thanks sharing |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-20-2019 at 4:00pm
I completely agree with you, again, I not sure why I am so set on using gauges to monitor my ballast but my preference is beginning to waver. You are completely right, bags would be much easier to deal with and I could take much better advantage of the space I have. I think I will probably end up going to bags at the end of this deal. Cheaper and easier. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-20-2019 at 4:02pm
Thank you for the encouragement! I am only doing this because I seen other people on this forum do similar things. This community and its members have given me a tremendous amount of confidence, knowledge, and assistance to get to this point. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-20-2019 at 4:04pm
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Another piece of the puzzle has arrived. In my first post, my plan for gauges was to have Livorsi create some custom instruments with the hope the classic Nautiques logo could be incorporated on the gauge face. Unfortunately that couldn't be done due to copyright. I realized that since I am running a Holley EFI system on this new engine, I could utilize their EFI Pro Dash 12.3". It's built for rugged environments, is water resistant, completely plug and play with one cable, and has an integrated GPS speedo. It would also show everything analog and NMEA 2000 gauges would and more. It also offers a variety of different input and outputs including digital switches and potentially incorporating depth sender data into it (I hope this is the case). While I was pretty sure I wanted to stick with the classic oem dash look, I realized that this boat is not a perfect period correct restoration. It's a resto-mod. Part of that is incorporating new technologies. The Pro Dash stays with this trend. Best of all, I can incorporate as many Nautique logos as I want. Since my new dash will be made out of fiberglass, it will be fairly straight forward to mold and flush mount this screen into the dash while maintaining the OEM shape, bezel, and matching overlays like the OEM dash. I would also make the screen frame-less so all of the gloss black surrounding the screen would be covered up. The only step from here is figure out what Perfect Pass gauge I will be using. It will most likely be the rectangular gauge face they sell. I will disassemble it and then flush mount it into the dash like the Pro Dash. I may re-solder the Perfect Pass settings buttons to a different place on the dash if it's possible. I am thinking I will flush mount it below the gauge cluster where the oem tach and ballast gauges were. Maintaining the same frame-less approach. We will see on this. What are y'alls thoughts?     ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-25-2019 at 4:38pm
Very special thank you to Jeff Caroll at Planet Nautique and Ron Nace from Correct Craft for helping me gather a 22 page build sheet of this boat. I am truly elated to add this documentation to the restoration book I am creating. Below are a couple excerpts. 43.1 mph isn't too bad! Can't get over that 1999 pricing though.   If you want to see the full build sheet, see link below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dI-HwngR_6WAdYLf3qnSNo5_xQnel7px/view?usp=sharing ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: November-25-2019 at 8:20pm
If you're going with a custom dash check out the BFM build on N3 Boatworks social media pages or ask Mark for some additional pics. They deleted the dash of their BFN all together and it looks surprisingly nice. Might be a possibility for what you're trying to accomplish. |
Posted By: tryathlete
Date Posted: November-25-2019 at 8:51pm
| I want a ride when this thing is done. I will bring gas. That is the answer for any aging GT40. |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-25-2019 at 9:19pm
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I have definitely seen that! Thanks for the reminder! I am still brainstorming, definitely a good possibility for a super clean look. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-25-2019 at 9:20pm
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Would be glad to give you a ride! Near Austin Texas? Either way, if another CC reunion roles around, I will be towing the boat there guaranteed! ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: tryathlete
Date Posted: November-25-2019 at 10:30pm
| I’m in Houston regularly. I’ll figure something out. |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: November-26-2019 at 10:04pm
Today was exciting! First, Wakemakers finished the rendering of the oem ballast replacement. I sent them the dimensions of the oem hard tanks and they were able recreate them in bag form down to the curvature and taper. Rear ballast with be increased from the OEM 400 lbs to 960 lbs and I will still be able to utilize the rear storage locker. An aluminum cage will be built around the bags so a beauty panel can sit on top of the cage to stow gear and life vests. Haven't measured out the belly ballast yet but will probably get to that over the weekend.   Next, Bob (engine builder" said the internals of the original 351 looked perfect. The block is a perfect candidate to become a 408 stroker. Here are some pics:        Lastly, and the most exciting part, the first dash was pulled out of the dash mold. It's a little rough right now as we just wanted to get it produced and placed in the boat to make sure everything fits properly. Final production will be dialed in, all holes and other imperfections will be corrected. There are also a couple oem lines that aren't quite perfect from the factory so those tightened up. Every indentation in the mold where the gauges, radio, and switch panel will also be filled and sanded smooth. The outline for the overlays will be retained just like oem and I will leave centering holes for placement of the oem gauges along with overlay studs holes in case anyone else needs one of these made in the future. Hope to have the second revision done by late next week. Once everything looks good, I will make a final production dash and begin molding the Holley Pro Dash and custom PerfectPass display. Special thanks to Aaron at PP for making this possible. It's gonna be really cool! I'll post some pics over the weekend of the dash in the boat.    ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-05-2019 at 3:39pm
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Small update, I spent the last week trying to figure out how I was going to blend the Holley Pro Dash into oem dash. The conclusion I came to was, no matter how I blended the screen in, it just wasn't going to look right in the boat. It's cool but doesn't fit the style of the boat. I am going back to gauges which I think is the right move. I have a pretty good idea of how I will be placing the new gauges, PerfectPass, radio, and 3.5" Holley Interface. I have to thank Aaron at PerfectPass. I wanted to be able to flush mount the PP display into one of the panels on the dash. I also wanted to use my own button for On/Off, Menu, Up, and Down. Aaron went out of his way to build me a custom harness to accomplish this. I think the dash is gonna look pretty cool when done! Lastly, I received my 2001 Ski Nautique shift console. I will be blending this console into the 1999 dash. Since the decks didn't change much from 1998-2002, this should fit with little to no modification. Will just need to remove the radio console portion and then wrap the entire thing is vinyl to match the dash. This console will house the front right speaker, depth finder, hour meter, ballast switches, and fire extinguisher. It's amazing how much time and effort I've spent just on the driver area but I think it will pay off. I guess it's a focal point of the boat. Gelcoat should be in this week. The deck will be pulled over the weekend. Castaway Customs will be coming by next week to measure for Seadek. The engine is coming along nicely. All components, pistons, rods, cam, crank, and heads are in. Block is currently at the machine shop. Upholstery materials have been picked out. The primary white and tan vinyl will be Spradling Fresco Cool Touch. It feels super nice and doesn't get hot! Slowly but surely things are coming together but man are there a ton of moving pieces.     ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: 67 ski nat
Date Posted: December-06-2019 at 11:34am
| Beyond impressive. Mclonghorn |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-06-2019 at 12:41pm
Thank you 67! ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: Jonny Quest
Date Posted: December-06-2019 at 12:57pm
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I’m afraid to see the final invoice... (I realize that this is a labor of love, but damn...) JQ ------------- Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-06-2019 at 1:06pm
I look at it this way, everything I am doing is exponentially cheaper than going out and buying a new boat today. Being that this boat was gifted to me, the money I would have spent buying a new boat is how I justify it. Even when it's all said and done, I will only be in this thing for a quarter or less of what I would pay for ANY 2020 Nautique. I consider this boat a family heirloom so I will be passing it down to my kids and I hope they do the same for their kids. The coolest part is that this boat look, drive, and perform just as good as any new boat on the market. It is a Nautique after-all, best ski boats ever built. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: 79SNbrady
Date Posted: December-06-2019 at 5:01pm
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Digging this restoration! Going to be subscribing to keep up to date on this rebuild! I hope that you are also upgrading the boat cover design, and not going back to snaps in the glass. Thats my biggest pet peeve! Snaps take away the clean look of a boat. When i was shopping for a newer boat, it took me months to find a 236 that didnt have snaps in the glass. ------------- "It's just water... not concrete or dirt... so just throw it" -Parks Bonifay 1979 Ski Nautique - (stringer job completed summer 2012) 2007 236 Team - All White! |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-06-2019 at 5:42pm
Oh yes, all snaps are being removed throughout the entire boat! I am totally with ya on that! ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: December-06-2019 at 5:54pm
 ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-06-2019 at 8:48pm
Didn't expect to see this today but the final mold is complete. I test fit the first dash (couple posts back) onto the boat last weekend. It fit perfectly but it still had those indentations from where the original gauge holes were. Now that I knew it fit, I brought the dash back to the glass shop. They took this first production fiberglass dash, filled in and sanded flat all of the holes and inconsistent edges. Once that was done, they made a brand new mold that is the final production mold. The dash in the below pictures is the first part out of the final production mold. If somebody wanted, I could make this dash with their boats matching gel coat (blue, red, zephyr, green, maroon, etc) and not even wrap it in vinyl. It looks and feels that nice. It really did turn out incredible.  ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-07-2019 at 7:29pm
Another big day. Deck is now separated from the hull. Now the grinding, sanding, and gel coat work begin! The audio system also came in today. Boat has got to sound as good as it looks. I will be completing a stealth install so nothing will look aftermarket to the naked eye.   ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: Faceplant
Date Posted: December-07-2019 at 8:58pm
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Damn , Look at that stereo.. And to think that I ripped my stereo out the day that I bought my boat because I love the sound of dual exhaust. ------------- Feels like I am hanging 10 but in reality - probably hanging 6. |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-08-2019 at 2:48am
I'm with you on that! ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: December-08-2019 at 9:39am
Very VERY Impressive. Dem' Texans don't fiddle fart around. Nice work. Keep the pics and updates coming. Cool thread to watch!  ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-13-2019 at 4:48pm
Trailer is making progress. Thanks to Magnum Trailers built in Austin, Texas. This trailer will have electric over hydraulic disc brakes and a removable tongue.   ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-13-2019 at 4:50pm
Boat has been transported to Austin to position the trailer bunks, build the prop cage, set the bow stop, and build the rear steps. Next week the boat will go to Aus-Tex Media Blasting to have the entire hull, inside and out, blasted to remove all grease, carpet glue, and silicone. While the gelcoat will be sanded down and re-sprayed entirely, we need to get any lose or cracked pieces off and ensure that the surface is free from all contaminants, lime, calcium, etc picked up on the hull after years of use. After Christmas, the boat will be brought back to McQueeney to begin sanding, filling, and blocking the floor and interior walls. Then Correct Craft neutral white gel-coat will be sprayed, sanded, and polished to prepare for SeaDek.    ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-13-2019 at 4:51pm
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____ ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: rosconole
Date Posted: December-13-2019 at 7:29pm
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This thing is way over budget that I can see! ------------- 1989 ski nautique ,1991 barefoot nautique, 1993 Mustang Cobra 1998 5.0 Magazine shootout invitee |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-13-2019 at 8:41pm
It's seems like I have done a lot but I really haven't spent much on this. I am doing all the disassembly, assembly, wiring, etc myself. The only things I am paying for is upholstery, fiberglass, and the engine. I'm also not considering the trailer part of this restoration. The trailer was already in the plans before the restoration. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: 67 ski nat
Date Posted: December-14-2019 at 6:23am
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Budget? I do not remember hearing about a budget. I love spending other people’s money, so keep going |
Posted By: 75 Tique
Date Posted: December-14-2019 at 11:49am
Yours, or his? ------------- _____________ “So, how was your weekend?” “Well, let me see…sun burn, stiff neck, screwed up back, assorted aches and pains….yup, my weekend was great, thanks for asking.” |
Posted By: desertskier
Date Posted: December-14-2019 at 3:02pm
| You mentioned buying a new Phoenix trailer and it looks like one of your pics shows the boat on it. It looked pretty nice. What happened? |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-14-2019 at 3:08pm
From afar, the trailer looked nice aside from the fact that it was painted the wrong color. As you got closer, it wasn't what I had ordered. Got my money back and went with someone else. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: gt40KS
Date Posted: December-24-2019 at 11:52pm
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Wow! Just checking in after several months of being away and silent from the forum. You sure have come a long way since I last looked through your posts. It's all looking and sounding very good! And that AUDIO setup ... Double wow! That is really going to sound awesome! I've got to poke a little at Pete here though ... really surprised he hasn't had a thing or two to say about that ------------- JCCI 1995 Ski Nautique GT40 |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: December-25-2019 at 1:10am
Pete's eyes glaze over on anything newer than 1979,anything with no wood does not even exist  ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-25-2019 at 1:38am
Woah woah woah...my boat has 2 1/2 feet of teak stuck to the back of it. Where ya at Pete? ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: December-25-2019 at 1:57pm
Thanks GT40KS! Merry Christmas to everyone! ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: brantb
Date Posted: January-02-2020 at 11:49am
| I thought i was undertaking a big project but this is amazing. I will be watching this and taking any ideas that i can use on my project. |
Posted By: stepper459
Date Posted: January-03-2020 at 12:47pm
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This looks amazing. I know you're not the first, but it's still hard for me to wrap my head around restoration threads of boats this "new" but here we are. Also, I want that tongue jack. I am not a fan of just about any swinging tongue jack I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of 'em. Tell me more. |
Posted By: FredWSauer
Date Posted: January-03-2020 at 5:08pm
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Wow! Very cool. Thanks for all the awesome pictures. ------------- - FWS 1993 Ski Nautique 1978 Glastron T-160 1994 Weeres Pontoon - Wife's Boat |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-04-2020 at 12:19am
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Haven't made much progress due to the holidays but I do have a couple items to share: First, I decided to make a mold of the cup holders that attach to the rear of the engine cover. Mine were cracked on the back side. Probably due to the heat from the engine and the fact that are made of plastic.     Next I worked on designing the Correct Craft logo for the interior. I wanted to incorporate a longhorn into the logo and wanted to try and figure out what font the "Correct Craft" logo used. I think I go pretty close. The font below is called Baskerville- Regular. If anyone knows of a font that is closer to OEM, please let me know!   Finally, can you guess what my next part mold is going to be?    The boat came out of sand blasting today. Gave it a quick pressure wash and will take some after photos tomorrow. I will say that the sound deadening attached to the walls of the hull is virtually impossible to remove. I tried a heat gun and acetone. Neither really worked. Looks like the sound deadening will be staying. If anyone knows of a similar sound deadening material, please let me know. I would like to install additional sound deadening bow to stern to make everything symmetrical. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-04-2020 at 1:04am
After talking with my buddy doing the glass and gelcoat work, gelcoating the interior walls of the hull seemed kinda unrealistic. The amount of work and time it would take didn't seem worth it. I proposed the idea of upholstering the sides of hull from bow to stern using the same material I am wrapping the seat bases and engine cover base. The material is called Spradling Hitch- Caramel. I think this could look really good especially if we incorporate some french seam work. Here's a breakdown of the interior details and materials.     ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-04-2020 at 2:36am
I totally understand what you are saying. But I have to remind myself that this boat 20 years old. That’s a long life for most things made today. Are you talking about the jack or the pull out tongue? The jack is just a temporary jack the trailer builder was using. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: M3Fan
Date Posted: January-04-2020 at 7:52pm
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The serifs on the capital "C" on that Baskerville font are too big and prominent. I'd simply trace the existing logo with vectors or convert that font to outlines and modify those serifs in Illustrator. ------------- 2000 SN GT40 w/99 Graphics/Gel 2016 SN 200 OB 5.3L DI https://forum.fifteenoff.com |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-04-2020 at 10:17pm
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The only logo I have is very poor quality and not perfectly straight on. The original logo's are no longer on the boat. I'll keep searching for a font. I agree, this one is a little off. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-05-2020 at 12:48pm
I thought more about your comment and had a realization. Maybe C&S Marine would allow me to send them some of my vinyl and they could embroider just those pieces? Then the logo would be perfect! I’ll give them a call on Monday. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-08-2020 at 2:52am
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One of the most anticipated parts of this build was the opportunity to help re-assemble the GT40 turned 408. I've watched engines be built but it was important to me to be able to assist in the assembly. I wanted to get my hands dirty and learn. Today we blueprinted the block and short block rotating assembly. Then we installed the crank, rods, and pistons. Tomorrow we will install the cam. timing chain, and oil pump/pan. All other parts are here, just waiting on the heads to come back from the machine shop so we can complete the valvetrain. We are probably two weeks out from dyno time! I have also been going back and forth between FAE vs an inline style muffler. I'm a skier so I don't want the FAE to affect the wake in any way. Maybe that's not a realistic concern. Either way, I ended up ordering the Hardin inline 4" silencers and a set of their composite double flapper exhaust tips. I know these aren't shiny and cool but I like the look of the transom on the python boats so I am going to match that. The black exhaust outlets are subtle. Comparing the cost to an FAE system, I am going to take the gamble and hope that it isn't too loud. The boat has remain hospitable for cruising.         ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: Kristof
Date Posted: January-08-2020 at 6:24am
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Shiny shiny shinyyyy!!! Awsome work bro. Keep those pictures and story coming. Love it. ------------- - Gun control means: using BOTH hands! - Money doesn't make one happy, but when it rains cats and dogs, it's still better to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle... |
Posted By: 79SNbrady
Date Posted: January-08-2020 at 10:11am
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When you say blue printed. Did you actually remove any material from the pistons to get them within the same weight by a few tenths of a gram or match total assembled weight of piston rist pin and connecting rod within a close weight range? ------------- "It's just water... not concrete or dirt... so just throw it" -Parks Bonifay 1979 Ski Nautique - (stringer job completed summer 2012) 2007 236 Team - All White! |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-08-2020 at 10:49am
We remeasured all the tolerances set by the machine shop to ensure they were correct. We also checked tolerance within the rod bearings, crank, etc. Like I said in my original post, this my first time assembling an engine. The engine builder is well respected in the boat racing community so I have faith that he and machine shop have done everything right. If I’m not saying it correctly, it’s because I don’t know. Just learning. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: 79SNbrady
Date Posted: January-08-2020 at 11:25am
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Your doing a normal rebuild then. A blue print build is where you weigh each individual component such as pistons, wrist pin, and rods. Then you match each component together to try and get each piece to weigh the same. Example: heaviest weight wrist pin paired with lightest piston. Then calculate the weight of the wrist pin and piston together. Then you remove material from each piston its self till every piston+wrist pin combo matches within a few tenths of a gram to the lightest piston+wrist pin. Then move on to the rods and try to get all the rods within the same weight. I havent messed with v8s that much. But in hondas it's usually good for a couple hp and supposed to smooth out a engine. But for what your doing. Blue printing is on the over kill side. ------------- "It's just water... not concrete or dirt... so just throw it" -Parks Bonifay 1979 Ski Nautique - (stringer job completed summer 2012) 2007 236 Team - All White! |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-08-2020 at 11:35am
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Dominic, https://hotrodenginetech.com/engine-blueprinting/" rel="nofollow - Here's a book on engine blueprinting. it says it's been "the blueprinting bible for nearly thirty years". ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: stepper459
Date Posted: January-08-2020 at 1:06pm
I think I've learned more about engine rebuilding from this forum than I did from actually rebuilding an engine, because it was only one engine and I had a machine shop that did the shortblock. Anyway....keep it up. |
Posted By: KENO
Date Posted: January-08-2020 at 2:14pm
That might be a simple explanation of something but it's not blueprinting. I figure his engine builder knows what he's doing Maybe you should take a shot at trying to explain balancing
|
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-08-2020 at 2:29pm
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Guys, I am content with the engine progress so far. We can revisit engine building on another thread! :) ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: 67 ski nat
Date Posted: January-08-2020 at 4:28pm
| Mclonghorn and the chunky thread are try to top each other. Making me up my game |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-09-2020 at 9:33pm
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Couple more parts are ready! Picked these up from the powder coating shop. Each piece was media blasted, sprayed with an epoxy primer, then sprayed with a UV resistant powder in ultra gloss black. They turned out great. I also had a couple pieces coated that were originally bare aluminum. I guess I am going for Paragon level of detail. I've already come this far lol. Parts below are: -Windshield frame -Engine cradle- originally raw aluminum -Front and rear vents -Drivers seat mounting plates- originally raw aluminum         ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: MrMcD
Date Posted: January-10-2020 at 2:36am
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First everything is looking fantastic. This is going to be one very cool old boat! Second, blueprinting, and I did not read the link sorry. Blueprinting is simple to explain but very time consuming for any shop to do. Every engine was designed by engineering and there is a blueprint of how it should be manufactured. Due to accepted tolerances when manufacturing almost 100% of engines built vary from original blueprint. When a shop blueprints they attempt to return all parts in assembly to the exact factory blue print. The main things are the distance from center of the crankshaft to the deck for each piston. Size of the head chamber is checked to make all 8 identical. Most decks are not square from the factory, they are very close but some are way off. Returning these measurements as close as possible to factory blue print design ends up with all 8 cylinders matched so they each in theory produce the exact amount of power. So, square decking is important to get closer to blueprint. Keep in mind that all these factory engines ran but the ones that were closer to blue print always ran better and made more power. The previous description covered parts of balancing which is also important for engines that will run high RPM for extended periods. Since the early 2000's most pistons manufactured are within 2 grams of each other because of the modern CNC controlled machines that make them so balancing pistons is much easier today than in the old days and most shops do not have to balance piston sets any longer. From your pictures it does not look like the shop had to do much clearancing for the large stroke 408 crankshaft. Looks like the 351W was designed well to be a 408. Looking forward to your driving impression on this new engine. Torque should be fantastic. ------------- |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: January-10-2020 at 9:56am
| I’m keeping my eye out for an Austin layover! |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-10-2020 at 11:13am
Thanks for the explanation. I was specifically told that the block/deck was squared at the machine shop. I appreciate the insight. Fortunately, this engine isn't going to run super high rpm. Maybe 5k max. But I guess the dyno will determine that if we are still making power up there. I definitely dont plan to beat on this thing. But I am looking forward to it pulling like a freight train out of the hole lol.
------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-10-2020 at 11:14am
This makes sense! Thank you for the explanation 79!
------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-10-2020 at 11:20am
Thanks Brian! I will order a copy!
------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: January-10-2020 at 11:30am
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There have been studies done that show machines built to nominal (the blueprint target size) have less vibration, noise, & greater reliability. Modern engines have much tighter tolerances plus statistical quality control aims for nominal - this is why they are so reliable. Back in the glory days of the V8 as long as it was barely in tolerance, good to go. Machining equipment (& measuring gages) have improved over the years, providing better precision. Even if your machinist didn't specifically get it exact, it probably is better than when it left the factory. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-10-2020 at 11:47am
Completely agree.
------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-10-2020 at 4:10pm
Domed Numbers finished the digitizing of the oem decals today. These are direct copies of the original but will be domed. I also had them add a little something special for the OEM EFI logo. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: brantb
Date Posted: January-11-2020 at 11:44am
| Where are you getting the stickers from? If they arent too expensive i would like to get the Nautique one for my boat |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-11-2020 at 11:58am
The domed decals are little more expensive than oem. The domed “Nautiques by Correct Craft” decal is $30.00 per side vs the oem being $24.50 Domed Numbers is who created them. They save every project so you won’t have to get anything digitized again. Just send them an email and tell them what decals you want. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-13-2020 at 11:16pm
Got a couple more photos over at Magnum Trailers. Paint colors are finalized. Really happy with the period correct "Nautiques" logo. Trailer should be done in two weeks.    ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 12:49am
Tach and speedo came in over the weekend. Speed Hut did an incredible job redesigning and recreating the oem gauges. These gauges, along with the rest, will be completely plug and play with the Holley EFI system.  ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: rosconole
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 1:06am
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Why did you go with so much of a dished piston? Unless they cut the hell out of the block or milled the heads way down....They must have been on sale... Which Holley EFI are you going with ? I am doing something similar. Hopefully you know the mapping will need to be the biggest adjustment below 160 degrees. ------------- 1989 ski nautique ,1991 barefoot nautique, 1993 Mustang Cobra 1998 5.0 Magazine shootout invitee |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 1:33am
I am not the engine builder. The builder is specialist in marine race engines. I trust his judgment. The pistons weren't on sale. I am utilizing the Holley Terminator X EFI system. The engine will be broken-in and tuned on the dyno. Then further tuned once installed in the boat. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: rosconole
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 1:56am
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Their is only a couple of reasons why you would want that much dish in a piston...a cylinder head and/or camshaft profile that would dictate that much clearance which I hope is not the case because it would be entirely too much for the cylinder head flow potential even if they were fully ported and you would never get to that RPM range . The other reason is if their is a positive pressure to raise the compression i.e. turbo or supercharger. I would be interested as to what the final compression number maybe , Because it maybe a loss of performance down in the lower RPM range where you really need it. In any event you would want a little more compression not less that what it originally had , ------------- 1989 ski nautique ,1991 barefoot nautique, 1993 Mustang Cobra 1998 5.0 Magazine shootout invitee |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 8:42am
| Ross, you better recheck your math... I suspect you forgot to carry a one or somethin. I know you read all the pertinent info before asking a dumb question like that (it’s a 408). |
Posted By: NCH20SKIER
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 9:32am
|
following ------------- '05 206 Limited '88 BFN |
Posted By: rosconole
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 11:18am
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Its fine that its a 408 doesn't have anything do with math or huked on fonix. , Should have found a 351 w roller block at this point really though for couple hundred dollars would be alot better off power wise instead. But I can see from the pistons madness just lighting dollars on fire. here.. ------------- 1989 ski nautique ,1991 barefoot nautique, 1993 Mustang Cobra 1998 5.0 Magazine shootout invitee |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 11:29am
Oh yeah? Last I checked compression ratio was in fact a ratio. I assume you know what it is a ratio of? |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 11:40am
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Everyone relax. Final compression is 9.5:1. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |
Posted By: Air206
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 11:57am
I'm just happy they are fussin' at each other rather than you!  Amazing changes to the boat and trailer. Very thorough. Thanks for sharing. ------------- https://tinyurl.com/y6t5e3bu" rel="nofollow - 04 Air206 http://tinyurl.com/9urzgls" rel="nofollow - 91 Barefoot 78 SkiTiq |
Posted By: DHMcFadin
Date Posted: January-23-2020 at 12:55pm
Thank you for the feedback. You have officially eliminated any excitement I had for this engine. Appreciate it. ------------- 1999 Longhorn Nautique 1995 Nautique Super Sport https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/" rel="nofollow - https://www.instagram.com/longhorn_nautique/ |