Bringing a 1986 BAJA SUNSPORT back to LIFE | 350 CI mercruiser alpha 1 | part 2

[@rangefreewords]

That Baja runs smooth! Can't wait til' you make the small changes... should be a lot of fun to ski and tube behind!

[@Publicdefender77]

Sweet old ride. Brings back memories

[@willbart1236]

I grew up in l south Florida in the 1980s. Every coke dealer had a Baja or a scarab.

[@thehillbillyhierarchy]

Gotta love boats from the 80's!

[@patrickmcnabb3524]

Great part 2, inspiration for when I start my '85 Baja. Picking it up tomorrow for the auction I was able to win it from.

[@thehillbillyhierarchy]

Thank you! Look forward to hearing about your '85.

[@warrengee-f9l]

had an 87 240 Sport ... 454 Bravo ... Wild ride ... 70 MPH all day

[@thehillbillyhierarchy]

that is a fast boat!

[@madmanmechanic8847]

I am in the process of restoring a 85 Scarab I got into a hut rut quit doing much people here are really cold and dont just want to be left alone . I have no freinds and I am very isolated I just got tired of going out alone . So I parked the poor thing in the weeds and let er rot in the weeds since 2014 I pulled my head out of my ass and decided this year to restore it. Some a hole painted the block mint green and left the heads unpainted and they were rusty . I had buddy come over with a service truck and yank the motor out for me I tore it down I have been two months rebuilding the engine took the heads had them checked out had all bent valves on the intakes . I have no clue how it even ran as good as it did. I got just about 50 out of it and I am at 5000 feet . I am now on the finished touches on this engine I hope. I had to convert it over to and external oil filter that job sucked but I got the factory Mercruiser kit and the a hole that put the engine in before me put in a auto dip stick and smashed it between the exhaust and the head . I had to find a Merc dip stick ordered one it was the wrong one I finally found one o Ebay bought it and it was the wrong one. I had to take a torch and heat the tube up and twist it and bend it to get it to clear the manifold it sucked I lucked out and finally got it . Nothing has gone right been working for weeks no days off I am exhausted I want this in the water before winter hits , The restoration is going on my You Tube channel eventually. My dream is to get the boat done if it doesnt blow up and my truck restored and go to Cored a lane Idaho sorry spelled that wrong but I want to take my truck and my boat up there and go camping and boating I have never been there . I am in my late 60s and this is a major bucket list . Please cross your finger for me I want this so bad I can taste it, I love your boat you should keep it job well done ! I feel your pain I repair boats for a living thanks for the videos really enjoyed it

[@thehillbillyhierarchy]

I got my fingers crossed for ya, sounds like you're close! I'll sub to your youtube and ill be looking for that scarab! If it was easy, everyone would be restoring boats. good luck!

[@madmanmechanic8847]

@@thehillbillyhierarchy Hey sorry for the late reply never got a notice you replied . Thank you so much I really appreciate the support man. I just subscribed to you channel . Love the build man great job keep that ole girl they dont make em like that any more I would upgrade to through hull exhaust that would be fin sick especially on a Baja get out on the lake and blow your ear drums out hell yeah

[@johntaylor2306]

I just bout a 1987 four winns 190. 350 ci 260 mercruiser with an alpha 1. Had to pull the motor and do the coupler, new impeller and prop. put it in the water, and the damn thing was taking on water through the exhaust seal .Had to pull the motor and outdrive again. Doing the exhaust seal and gimbal bearing. Hopefully, I can take it out next weekend!

[@thehillbillyhierarchy]

If I've learned anything, its that there is always something to replace on the alpha outdrives :D. Sounds like you're really close though, best of luck to ya!

[@kaptkirksphotographyfishing]

I think smaller prop would help as you have it floored and not going to top rpm as fast as it should . Also check throttle linkage to make sure you have wot with engine off .

[@thehillbillyhierarchy]

I believe you're right. I have a 20p that needs a new hub (old style) that i might play with. I'm still burning through gas that is who knows how old and each time i take it out it gains a few MPH. I'm gonna keep tinkering before i make a prop change. throttle is definitely WOT tho!

[@mr.sampson7687]

I have baja 220 sport with sbc and alpha I have got best of 5900😊oorpm @69mph

[@thehillbillyhierarchy]

5900 rpm! what's all done to the motor?

[@yoster77]

@7:00 could just be an odd vibration but I feel like I can hear ujoint knock

[@thehillbillyhierarchy]

I do hear the noise you're talking about. The u-joint is tight but I'm wondering if its the gimbal making noise. Or maybe it is the vibration from the camera but the bellow got a tear in it somehow so I'm wondering if that noise is from the bellow being filled up with water. I'm not sure, but i have a new bellow and gimbal I'm throwing in and it should be back in the water soon!

[@rumnboats7612]

The trying not to smile too big at the start says it all.

[@thehillbillyhierarchy]

You know it!

[@roberthumphries6085]

That’s it ? Had 93 chapperalle 4.3 4 bll 54 mph

[@thehillbillyhierarchy]

You 4.3 guys all sound the same :D It is a starting point for a boat that hasn't been running in a long time. I have a lot more RPM to use...gotta keep tinkering w it!