So I'm pretty much a rookie at this stuff! But been doing a lot of reading here and elsewhere!! Gonna post a couple pics of my loader and impeller. Tell me what u think. I'm not gonna tear down until this winter but want to know what to plan for? Definitely an inducer. But not sure about the loader and intake??
The gates of hell
Your intake is a typical Berkeley. The skegs are a little beat up and could use a touch up.
Definitely check your loader for excessive corrosion and cracks. Keep in mind that they do have a finite life span. If it fails, the boat will crash. While on the topic of loaders, throw away whatever bolts that are currently installed in the loader and replace them with 5/16-18 black oxide coated countersunk Allen bolts. This may require drilling and tapping your intake if it isn't already. Lastly, install nylon locking jam nuts on at least the two rear loader bolts on the inside. The front two might have oil pan interference. Replace these bolts every season, it's cheap insurance. If you want or need a new loader, one is available for your application.
The leading edges of your impeller are pretty hammered. That's killing your launch and hurting all around performance. Filing the dings out would make a noticeable difference. Even more so for a properly detailed front side.
Depending on your budget and the level of work that you want to put into your boat, machining your intake for a shoe and ride plate would dramatically change the performance and ride of your boat. I'm not going to sugar coat it, it's a lot of work and isn't cheap.
I'm a firm believer in inducers. They will mostly help your launch.
You already mentioned checking clearance.
A little more info about your combination and your expectations would help.
Cheers,
Joe
