Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

[HighboostN]

Well I will soon be buying a 1978 20ft tahiti project boat with no motor or interior. I would like to run a 351w bases small block ford along with a berkely jet drive model 12JL with a drop snoot. What will I need to one fit this engine assembly in the boat with mounting and such. And what would I need to do to the motor to make it boat and water friendly? This is going to be my project for the next year or so. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Kevin70]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

Sounds like a challenge. Your going to have to switch all of the "bolt-ons" like the starter and altenator, to marine grade stuff or you risk blowing yourself up. Can you post some pics so that we can see what your working with?

 

[HighboostN]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

i have not picked the boat up yet but this is the craigslist add for it.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/boa/180745468.html

 

[Kevin70]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

oooohhhhh!!! thats awesome. I love the lines on that thing. Good luck with everything.

 

[HighboostN]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

I need to find out how to mount the motor and what to do to it for marine use.

The motor will be a turocharged carbureated sbf. Probably around 600-700hp. What size gas tank should I use and where should I mount it. Way up in the front?
I was thinking a nice 30-40 gal would workout good.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

what is the engine in it. the boat already has stringers to mount the engine(if in good condition) may have to be modified. you need to get everything together, do some measuring and calculating. and under bow tank sound like a good idea. this a project boat the total cost may scare you.. marine grade is required, if you don't and have an accident. the courts will take the right one and probably the left also.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

that is a fine lookin boat. it would seem to me to be easier to put the 454 it had back in it. from what i read it generally isn't easy to switch to a different engine. it wouldn't be easy in my boat anyways.
as for the pereifials. starter, alt., carb. fuel pump, core plugs, cam, fuel lines, fuel ilne connections, distributor, water circulating pump, flame arrestor, are at least a few of the items that must be marie duty.
heres a link to some of the things the coastgaurd has to say about systems on yer boat.
http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boatbuilder/index.htm

 

[HighboostN]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

what is the engine in it. the boat already has stringers to mount the engine(if in good condition) may have to be modified. you need to get everything together, do some measuring and calculating. and under bow tank sound like a good idea. this a project boat the total cost may scare you.. marine grade is required, if you don't and have an accident. the courts will take the right one and probably the left also.

It orignally came with a 454 and thats what it will fit. I was hoping to mount a smallblock though to make it a little lighter.

 

[HighboostN]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

that is a fine lookin boat. it would seem to me to be easier to put the 454 it had back in it. from what i read it generally isn't easy to switch to a different engine. it wouldn't be easy in my boat anyways.
as for the pereifials. starter, alt., carb. fuel pump, core plugs, cam, fuel lines, fuel ilne connections, distributor, water circulating pump, flame arrestor, are at least a few of the items that must be marie duty.
heres a link to some of the things the coastgaurd has to say about systems on yer boat.
http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boatbuilder/index.htm


I can't seem to find every part needed for marine use, do you have any website suggestions?

 

[tommays]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

If you stick with GM there should be and unlimited amount of marine parts NEW or USED to put it back toghter

Tommays

 

[HighboostN]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

is this all the marine mechanical stuff I need for the motor? Not including electrical like starter and alternator.

http://www.greenbaypartsworld.com/f351wdm.htm

 

[tommays]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

We have a ford powered Correct Craft and its a fine boat and motor BUT they have not done marine for a LONG time

You can get what you need BUT in general its a PITA compared to GM parts

tommays

 

[HighboostN]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

Well I am using an older mexican block from the 60s-70s. So hopefully the yhave parts to fit.

 

[NBE]

Re: Custom 78 tahiti build help!!!!!

Nice looking boat! It looks a lot like my 1979 21' Hondo Daycruiser.