In the Spring of 2003, Vagabond's tired motor was pulled and sent to R&L
Engines for a complete tear-down and diagnosis. The results were not good, the
motor was trashed, and would be very expensive to rebuild. So, with the advice
and consent of Tom D'Eath, the original Chevy 265 motor was replaced with a
stock 305 cubic inch crate motor. Leo at R&L transferred many of the original
265 parts to the new 305 motor, but had to fabricate a new oil pan and do some
special work on the replacement intake manifold. The problem/challenge was the
extremely tight clearance requirements - for both the bottom, oil pan and the
top, intake manifold.
On June 28, 2003 the new/replacement 305 motor was picked-up from Leo at
R&L and transported back to The Vintage Race Boat Shop, in Wolfeboro, where
the new motor was installed. The only problem was the bottom, oil pan. It hung
down just a titch too low, so
the bottom batten of the boat was "notched", and then the motor fit right in
very nicely.
On June 29, 2003 we finally got all fittings and connections figured out, and
then on June 30th we picked up the new stainless steal exhaust headers. They are
beautiful and fit like a glove.
Then we hooked up a garden hose for motor cooling, and we were ready to
"trailer-fire" the motor.
What a noise - pure magic - we were happy ???!!!
On July 3rd, we hauled Vagabond to Madison, Indiana to participate in
an APBA Vintage
event. The boat and new motor ran great, and Steve Lindo ran some pretty hot
laps on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, driving this world record holding
hydroplane.
Also on Sunday, Vagabond's speed was clocked at
over 100 MPH by Tom D'Eath, and Steve received a very special award
from our newest Vintage Sponsor - Vic Edelbrock.
Click here for the story of Vagabond.
Vintage
Race Boat Shop
