1999 Longhorn Nauique Restoration

[dhmcfadin]

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.

[Evening Shade]

I love this build! I can't believe how quick you're making progress. Thanks for posting all the pics.

[core-rider]

That's a BIG dish in the piston... What is your final compression ratio supposed to be? I thought the factory pistons were basically flat tops.

[dhmcfadin]

That's a BIG dish in the piston... What is your final compression ratio supposed to be? I thought the factory pistons were basically flat tops.

Final compression will be about 9.5:1 Premium fuel only lol.

HereÂ’s a pic of the original piston.



Here’s a comparison.

[shag]

That's a BIG dish in the piston... What is your final compression ratio supposed to be? I thought the factory pistons were basically flat tops.

Looks like the surface area is actually higher than normal, and the dish has valve cut out's. My guess is this design gives better combustion and more HP. Looks awesome!

[thedude]

Very nice work. Best thread on this forum in 10 years.

[dhmcfadin]

Looks like the surface area is actually higher than normal, and the dish has valve cut out's. My guess is this design gives better combustion and more HP. Looks awesome!

I think the increase in displacement and stroke makes the larger dish necessary to keep the compression reasonable but I could be totally wrong. Goal with this engine is maximum torque at around 2500-3000 rpm.

[dhmcfadin]

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

[NautiqueJeff]

That gloss came out nice. I usually do flat when I have my windshields and pieces powder coated, but the gloss looks great!

[dhmcfadin]

That gloss came out nice. I usually do flat when I have my windshields and pieces powder coated, but the gloss looks great!

Thanks Jeff!

[dhmcfadin]

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.

[KRoundy]

Very cool! Do you have a day job? The progress is amazing. Keep it up!

[dhmcfadin]

Very cool! Do you have a day job? The progress is amazing. Keep it up!

I do have a day job lol. I’m only doing some of the work though. The big items done by others are glass and gel coat work, upholstery, and engine. I handle everything in between including break down and final assembly.

[dhmcfadin]

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.

[dhmcfadin]

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.