First of all I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Red for his willingness to help with this project, his many hours of hard work to get this done so I could trailer it home and not have to make another trip from San Antonio, and incredible expertise with everything marine related that got this engine installed in short order and working like a race horse. I would also like to say thanks to Georgia for putting up with my intrusion and my project keeping Red busy just about every minute of those days, and for the hospitality.
Got one seasons use out of it, but the old 455 was tired, had a cracked block, and the jet drive needed a complete overhaul requiring the engine to be out. So, I’ve had the idea of having the 455 rebuilt for some time. In talking with Red about it, he saw a fresh rebuilt 455 in OKC that met the requirements, so I pulled the trigger, bought it, and had it brought to Reds… he has been storing if for a few months and was willing to do the swap out for me when the timing was right.
Last Sunday, weather forecast was good for the week, so I made the trip to Reds. Had the opportunity to meet Gary, great guy, and what a fantastic job Red is doing on that Scimitar. We pulled the engine on Monday morning… didn’t take long, and I was on the road to Shell Knob MO (HI-TECH Performance) to have them rebuild the pump. It’s a good thing I had the pump rebuilt when I did, cause it was on its last leg… thrust bearing was failing (main reason I was hearing the tumbling noise and vibration in floor), they sleeved the drive shaft as it had grooves (wobble) on the bowl bushings, the impeller was bent, packing gland was shot, seals shot and no seal was present around nozzle. I had them rebuild it, installed new AA impeller for bigger bite (which they can lathe/cut down if needed for more rpms), powder coat bowl, and install a pressure reduction valve set up with overflow. The pump was done and ready for pick up in two days (while I visited relatives in St. Louis), and I was back in OKC by Wed night late with the boat in tow. I was expecting to leave the boat with Red for a few weeks/month, till he was done with the Scimitar project, but he said let’s get at it as it won’t take that long!
Over the next few days the new engine was prepped, checked, marinized, assembled, tested, cam broken in and installed by Red with me helping the master mechanic where I could. I secured a couple of thick aluminum plates to the floor and tapped bolt holes to secure seats down… so they’re solid again. Red checked just about everything (including the floor, stingers, and transom which got a healthy thumbs up and needed no repair,
) There were many items needing attention, however, like the universal joint had a bad bearing that was replaced. Red took some great pictures and videos he is sharing and I’m sure glad because I can’t find my camera?... I could feel an increased acceleration with the new engine and pump set up and I know we were haulin’ though I didn’t have gps with me, we were guessing high 50s. I’ll let you know once I clock it
. Yesterday’s lake test was not the best conditions… it was cold, misting rain, and windy, but Red got it dialed in regardless and got me on my way home. Got home last night and still trying to unpack. It will be a few weeks before I get the new carpet in and get things buttoned up, but we should be in good shape for this summer.
I’ll try to get some pictures of the jet drive too, if I could ever find my camera?... but again, THANKS to Red for making this happen!
Mark
edit: sorry, forgot to say thanks to Barb as well... she came over a few times to say hi and see what we were doing, helped us at the ramp and brought us lunch one day! Thanks Barb, and good seeing you.
