LS1 Powered Baker Tunnel Jet

**MrEracer** · 09-28-2010, 02:26 PM

I have an LS1 ready to go in my 19' Baker tunnel jet. It has Bassett Racing Headers (Cleveland w/ LS7 header flanges), sand buggy dry mufflers, and JetHot coated. I used an SSP wiring harness (less than $300) and a 411 PCM. I had to send the PCM in for an exchange unit ( Rodney, Spare ECM) because my HPT would not let me license it due to VIN block issues. I should have the new PCM back by Friday and then I can complete the initial tune. I will be doing a SD tune, modified from the previous Corvette tune. I do have stock O2 sensors in place for the time being. I will be using an Innovate wide band data recorder along with the HPT scanner to nail down the VE table.

The engine is a 346 with CNC heads, mild cam and FAST intake manifold and throttle body. This engine put 420 hp to the wheels in a Corvette so I estimate around 480 flywheel hp. Once I get things sorted out with the 346 cid engine, I have a 454 cid LS2/LS7 engine that will go in next.

This thing looks very different from the usual carburetor/blower installations... With the low intake manifold and forward facing throttle body, there is nothing between the headers... Very Alien!

I'm looking to put it on the water this week end or soon after. Should be something different and I hope special...

MrE

**Outlaw** · 09-28-2010, 02:35 PM

post some pics,

**IMPATIENT 1** · 09-28-2010, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by Outlaw

post some pics,

x2, im a big fan of ls motors in boats

**MrEracer** · 09-28-2010, 05:05 PM

Here are 4 pic's of the boat and engine

**ap67et10** · 09-28-2010, 05:59 PM

that thing is sweet....keep up the good work!

Andrew

**tkriley13** · 09-28-2010, 06:15 PM

By chance do you know what the difference in weight is?I`m assuming it had a cast big block in it or at one time or another?
Also what how much more free board do you think you`ll get an inch or two from the weight savings?

**Dominator** · 09-28-2010, 06:26 PM

looks good. Pleas let us now how she does performance wise.

**MrEracer** · 09-28-2010, 08:30 PM

The LS1 weighs 200 lbs less than a iron BBC. That alone will reduce hull drag and increase top speed. The tunnel also reduces wetted area further reducing drag. Although I have not weighed the boat, I expect the hull is on the heavy side so the reduced engine weight offsets that somewhat.

I'll post up some performance results once I get it sorted out... It's going to take more HP and some pump work to match the performance of previous BBC engines though.

I'm really hoping that it will turn nice and flat since I want to get into towing ski racers. I'm spoiled by how well my Rogers turned when I was racing Comp Jet many years ago...
MrE

**thompy** · 09-29-2010, 06:32 AM

looks good, whats the story on the jet in the back ground

**IMPATIENT 1** · 09-29-2010, 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by ap67et10

that thing is sweet....keep up the good work!

Andrew

x10000

nice job man!!!

**Last Mohican** · 09-29-2010, 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by thompy

looks good, whats the story on the jet in the back ground

That jet has a prop. Nice job on the LSX install. Look forward to hearing the performance report.

**MrEracer** · 09-29-2010, 07:42 AM

The little plane in the background is an experimental homebuilt called a 'Varieze' (pronounced, 'very eazy') designed by Burt Rutan. I built it from his plans in 1981. Great little 200 mph two place aircraft. I've logged over 2000 hours in it and flown it all over the US including the Florida Keys... It's old, but like me, it's still going strong.

For a little more trivia, in the background of one of the other pictures you can see the nose of another aircraft. This one I designed and built myself. It's called the 'Eracer'. Google it or my name; Shirl Dickey if you are curious about my screen name.

Back to boats, here's a story for you... In 1974 I designed, built, and raced a 17' SK flatbottom, V-drive boat I called the 'Mosquito'... It had a 351 Cleveland engine in it... When I retired the boat I saved the Bassett Racing Headers and they hung on my various shop walls for 36 years. When I bought the Baker and wanted to use LS power I dragged the headers off the wall and laid them on the exhaust ports of an LS head to see how far off they were... The spacing was perfect so I bought some LS header flanges and converted them for the LS motor that you see in the boat now. As an old packrat, I was vindicated after all those years of (previous) wives telling me to get rid of all that junk... And to add to the story, when I launch the new boat I'll be wearing my 40 year old Lifeline racing jacket...

Shirl (Mr. Eracer)

**IMPATIENT 1** · 09-29-2010, 07:49 AM

^^^^ cool deal

another member here used some ford logs on his ls motor install, worked pretty good too

**Outlaw** · 09-29-2010, 08:55 AM

Very Nice Shirl,

BTW I had the opportunity to sit co pilot in a Beechcraft Starship

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LS1 Powered Baker Tunnel Jet

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