CDMA
09-12-2002, 09:40 PM
The advantages of Stainless marine on an 18…
I have done a lot of things to my 18 over the last 3 years and without question the single best was my switch to stainless marine manifolds. I figured I would fill you all in. Over the last winter I put a 383 SBC in my 18. This engine was built on a budget and at the time I built it I was not sure if I would be able to afford anything other then the stock exhaust I already had. For these reasons I built a very mild 383 with a small flat tappet cam that would not have reversion issues with stock manifolds. However during the process I was able to scrape together enough money to get the basic stainless marine aftermarket system.
The engine was completed this spring and was dynoed with the stainless marine exhausts. The engine made between 407 and 427 hp at 5200 rpm depending on the set up ( carb and timing).
After installing the engine in the boat I got into a rather heated discussion with a member whether the exhaust was really necessary. So being pigheaded and stubborn I decided I was going to find out for myself and put to rest in my mind whether it was worth it or not.
So I ran the boat with the Stainless marine exhaust and the boat ran 72.1 on gps with a 25 mirage.
The same day I swapped exhausts and less then two hours later the absolute best I could coax out of the boat was 68.3. With no other modifications I lost almost 300 rpm. It was enough I think had I kept the stock exhaust I would have been better off with a 23 mirage.
I have to say I was surprised at the difference and I never thought it would be that much. But for my application it was. The next time I went out with the stainless marine reinstalled the lost punch was gone and I was running back over 70.
The other advantage lies in weight…or lack there of. It isn’t very scientific but I really think the boat rides better w/o the 100 extra pounds in the rear. Installation is also easier. Instead of needing to muscle the manifold and riser into and out of the boat I can easily handle them. They are so light and easy to remove sometimes I find myself removing them just to make it easier to work on the engine.
So this is the end of my tirade. I just wanted to share with you my resounding success. I can not say how your results will vary but I can say for me it is the single best thing I have done to my boat. If anyone has any questions or wants to talk to me feel free to e mail me.
Since these tests I have further dialed in the boat and added another couple of miles per hour and now I am on to making the boat capable of dealing with the extra speed. It looks like imco external steering and bennet sport tabs are on my horizon.
Chris
Well exhausted... and I was right...they are worth it :D :D :D
I have done a lot of things to my 18 over the last 3 years and without question the single best was my switch to stainless marine manifolds. I figured I would fill you all in. Over the last winter I put a 383 SBC in my 18. This engine was built on a budget and at the time I built it I was not sure if I would be able to afford anything other then the stock exhaust I already had. For these reasons I built a very mild 383 with a small flat tappet cam that would not have reversion issues with stock manifolds. However during the process I was able to scrape together enough money to get the basic stainless marine aftermarket system.
The engine was completed this spring and was dynoed with the stainless marine exhausts. The engine made between 407 and 427 hp at 5200 rpm depending on the set up ( carb and timing).
After installing the engine in the boat I got into a rather heated discussion with a member whether the exhaust was really necessary. So being pigheaded and stubborn I decided I was going to find out for myself and put to rest in my mind whether it was worth it or not.
So I ran the boat with the Stainless marine exhaust and the boat ran 72.1 on gps with a 25 mirage.
The same day I swapped exhausts and less then two hours later the absolute best I could coax out of the boat was 68.3. With no other modifications I lost almost 300 rpm. It was enough I think had I kept the stock exhaust I would have been better off with a 23 mirage.
I have to say I was surprised at the difference and I never thought it would be that much. But for my application it was. The next time I went out with the stainless marine reinstalled the lost punch was gone and I was running back over 70.
The other advantage lies in weight…or lack there of. It isn’t very scientific but I really think the boat rides better w/o the 100 extra pounds in the rear. Installation is also easier. Instead of needing to muscle the manifold and riser into and out of the boat I can easily handle them. They are so light and easy to remove sometimes I find myself removing them just to make it easier to work on the engine.
So this is the end of my tirade. I just wanted to share with you my resounding success. I can not say how your results will vary but I can say for me it is the single best thing I have done to my boat. If anyone has any questions or wants to talk to me feel free to e mail me.
Since these tests I have further dialed in the boat and added another couple of miles per hour and now I am on to making the boat capable of dealing with the extra speed. It looks like imco external steering and bennet sport tabs are on my horizon.
Chris
Well exhausted... and I was right...they are worth it :D :D :D