I have a friend who just bought a 80's something Bahner and he is itching to start in with the mods.  Major engine mods in the future I'm sure, but for now it an "as delivered" 454/Berk.   I don't know which model pump yet as I haven't seen it.  He has been reading everything he can find about inducers, impeller mods, ride plates, RoostrBoosters etc.   Given a budget of say $1000 what would you smart guys advise him to do first?  I tried to steer him away from intake stuffers and ride plates until he has driven the boat a few times to see how it works now.  He is pretty good with tools so mods like an intake for the motor or a droop is no problem.

OK guys bring it on.       Oh and spare me the "put a Ford in it" talk cuz he is one of the true believers in the superiority of all things Chebby.  I didn't say he was bright, just good with tools.

PLace Diverter first and foremost. possibly a droop

PLace Diverter first and foremost. possibly a droop

I would go with that........except I would first spend some time in the boat on a few outings to first see where its at and if any mods/upgrades are even necessary......

Then over the winter do what I thought necessary.

I had BIG plans for my Pickle boat, but after spending a LOT of seat time in it last year, just didn't seem necessary or prudent. Yeah I put a Diverter on it, figure $650 and change, a new dizzy and ignition when the HEI just would NOT cooperate, shopped right so figure 2 hundo, rebuilt an 850 that I think I had a buck or so in, replaced a bilge pump (Donated one, didn't fail, but still needed it), plugs, wires, newer OT pipes when mine broke (Twice). Also purchased yet to be installed new carpet, replaced the filler neck hoses, oil changes.........and I'm well over $2500 into it above what I paid for a good, solid turn key boat.

My advice? Keep the grand around for maintenance. That grand and more will be spent just keeping it in the water this summer..........

Ray

$1000
Three day trip
Boat Fuel first trip $300
Hotel first trip $200
Truck fuel first trip $200
Food first trip $250 ($350 for fat people)
Hmmm
If the $1000 is the total budget, I would agree with the rebel. Bank it for simple repairs. A stuffer, loader, spoon, diverter, rideplate, shoe, and new impeller won't help if he doesn't have money for a simple repair

You owe it to your friend to let him know, a full weekend at 65 is better than no weekend at any speed. (this is a great philosophy that I rarely adhere to)

He does have the diverter (and is already talking about grinding on it for more roost).    Nordie, I told him exactly that.  Stay away from inducers and plates until you know that you need them.  He is fairly convinced this is "free" speed, even though I told him it may make handling worse and actually slow the boat down.
Dang kids, they never listen.   I told him to just enjoy the summer and dive into it when the weather turns but he says he wants to do it now.  Someone else told him that the bottom is identical to Eliminators of the time.  Anyone know if this is right.  I don't think it is.  Sorry but I don't know what size/model he has yet.

Methinks you need to have him call Tommy or Jim who can explain that Ride Plates, Shoes, and Inducers require almost total disassembly of the boat (and pump intake) for the machine work necessary to install them in the first place. Free speed? BWA HA HA HA..........

Ray

The only "free speed" I have ever experienced took place in someone elses boat. The $1000 will buy a lot of beers to exchange for rides in fast boats.

I second this notion HERE HERE

Hands down, a Place Diverter.

X2...and save the rest for now.

The only "free speed" I have ever experienced took place in someone elses boat. The $1000 will buy a lot of beers to exchange for rides in fast boats.

I LIKE THIS! But I didn't even hafta do that. All Nick made me do was tie my t-shirt up "byatch style" for a free ride in his Scorpion..........

Ray

I LIKE THIS! But I didn't even hafta do that. All Nick made me do was tie my t-shirt up "byatch style" for a free ride in his Scorpion..........

Ray

Hey I'd like to see a picture of that............on second thought maybe not

Oh please God, NO!!!

J/K Ray, I'm sure you looked purdy hot! 

easy there sam, looks like vegas is free n clear...it has moved to arizona!

Hey I'd like to see a picture of that............on second thought maybe not

Actually, Nick's Mommy took a picture of it. 

But back on track guys, I'm not endorsing this as a way to ride bitch..........but.........sometimes extreme measures must be taken.......

Ray

Save the Money ..... Never Know what the motor is going to do or what has been done to the motor.