ANyone know this Minx?

[XMETAL]

I just bought this boat no engine or drive. I plan on doing a deck off rebuild and toying with the idea of big block power as I have a 454 at the marina thats taking up space. So Im looking for any info I can get. Thanks.1986 Donzi Minx 8.jpg

[Greg Guimond]

Good luck with the restoration. Did the boat live in Ohio when you got it? Might help tracking down details. When you're done you'll want to do what this guy is doing with his! Looks like he is having a darn good time

[mattyboy]

Do you have a HIN on the transom

[Pismo]

Perect boat for a 500+hp small block. Maybe a nice aluminum LS...

[VetteLT193]

There have been a few with Big Blocks but not much info on how they ran. Seems like the guys that have done them aren't online guys. There is plenty of room for a BBC from a height perspective. It might have to go through the hole sideways and spun around. I had an option to go Big Block when I had mine but opted not to because I would have had to mess around with filling the exhaust holes or getting custom tails made as the BBC exhaust is wider than the SBC.

[katanna]

The balance would be alot better with the small block. You wont like the way it porposes at cruising speed with the big block.

[gcarter]

A BBC in a minx is not the happiest of combinations.
A healthy LS is a much better package.

[XMETAL]

Thanks everyone. I bought it from northern Maine. When I noticed it had OH tags I figured Id ask in case someone here recognized it.
I have made up my mind and it WILL get a BBC and an Arneson.

[VetteLT193]

Who has specifics on how the BBC runs? I wonder if the X should be raised for it too.

BBC and Arneson should be really interesting to see.

[XMETAL]

I must add that the method to my madness is simply because a big block will sustain bigger power and a LOT more torque than a small block. I cant justify a small block with high horsepower and not much reliability. IT comes down to the fact that there are big lakes by me and short of buying a bigger boat (which after buying a new house isnt a good idea) I decided to go with the Minx after riding in my friends I was impressed with the ride just not the speed. (yes I know Im probably looking at at least 20k to get what I want and I wont make that back which is fine) My goal is 80 mph or close to it reliably. Any suggestions are appreciated. I dont have the Hull ID on me but will get it up later tonight.

[XMETAL]

I figured since Im replacing the stringers, gas tank and transom. Im basically starting with a blank hull, it might as well be able to perform as good as it looks! I know its going to cost big money which Im fine with. MY goal is as close to 80 mph as possible.

[XMETAL]

A BBC in a minx is not the happiest of combinations.
A healthy LS is a much better package.

George are you speaking from a previous experience with a Minx?

[BUIZILLA]

pretty sure this is the '87 Limited that was basically neglected on a lake outside Toledo a few years back,,,, I think it sat at a dock, full of water, like over the stringers water, for a longgggggg time.. it will need to be taken COMPLETELY apart and redone for sure, every square inch of it...

I think Ken is selling the Arneson out of his 22 on ebay right now....

there was a small block Minx/Arneson rig running around lately, but NEVER a BBC Arny has been done that I ever knew of

Dalelama has a BBC/Bravo Minx down here, and it ran pretty good, don't remember it ever having a porpoise issue, you would have to ask him, that's the only BBC setup that I know of

[XMETAL]

pretty sure this is the '87 Limited that was basically neglected on a lake outside Toledo a few years back,,,, I think it sat at a dock, full of water, like over the stringers water, for a longgggggg time.. it will need to be taken COMPLETELY apart and redone for sure, every square inch of it...

I think Ken is selling the Arneson out of his 22 on ebay right now....

there was a small block Minx/Arneson rig running around lately, but NEVER a BBC Arny has been done that I ever knew of

Dalelama has a BBC/Bravo Minx down here, and it ran pretty good, don't remember it ever having a porpoise issue, you would have to ask him, that's the only BBC setup that I know of

Unfortunately this one is labeled as an '86 BUT I haven't really gotten into to go through. I have a friend from the marina I work at go pick it up for me since I haven't been able to get away in quite some time. Of course its coming completely apart as stated above. Do these boats also have the gas tank issues Ive heard others speak of? It only makes sense if Im going in I do it ALL.

[gcarter]

ALL older Donzi's have, or will have, the dreaded tank issues because Donzi didn't seal, or coat, the tanks, nor did they seal the drain pipe running under the tank.
I saw one price list from that time frame that listed a BBC. I've seen Dalelama's boat. I suppose it tops 70. Mine, w/a fairly stock 350 Vortec would do 65 most any day. My biggest argument against a BBC, is it's a tight engine compartment, fully 6" shorter than 22C, and the weight difference.
It's your boat, you can do what you want, it's your money. But it wasn't designed to have a BBC in the back end like a Cig 20 was. There are NO similarities between a Cig 20 and a Minx, other the length and beam. I don't think you'll find ANY 80 MPH Minx's in existence. I believe if it were a viable combination, there'd be tons of them.
I think a 454 LSX w/an Arne would be a killer combination and a very potent package.