[tahitijetn]

hey guys new to forum (thank you for having me) and new owner, so this tahiti i just picked up has an out dated (from what i can find) cooling set up. jet to nicson logs, through logs then to engine, through engine and both dumps run to the snails and just dumps in the snails. I am not sure i like the fact that all of that water is constantly in the exhaust, i feel better if there was no water in the exhaust until 1,500-2,000 rpm? does any one have any pics/diagrams of the inside of snails? what is the inside design of a snail? what is every ones thought/experience with this set up? Thank you.

 

[Moneypit]

Nothing to worry about..

hey guys new to forum (thank you for having me) and new owner, so this tahiti i just picked up has an out dated (from what i can find) cooling set up. jet to nicson logs, through logs then to engine, through engine and both dumps run to the snails and just dumps in the snails. I am not sure i like the fact that all of that water is constantly in the exhaust, i feel better if there was no water in the exhaust until 1,500-2,000 rpm? does any one have any pics/diagrams of the inside of snails? what is the inside design of a snail? what is every ones thought/experience with this set up? Thank you.

That's the way they were designed to work. Nothing to worry about... The idea of running the water through the logs first was/is to preheat the water. The water that goes into the snails is beyond where it can back up into the engine....
Ray

 

[tahitijetn]

O ok I knew the logs were for pre heat but I did not know if the snail design allowed water to make its way back into the logs and ports or not. Thank you does any one have a performance opinion on this set up? Does it rob much power?

 

[hellnback]

I didn't find any noticeable difference when I switched to OT but then I run Oldsmobile as well ;-) Do know logs don't bring the popo... .

 

[jetboatperformance]

O ok I knew the logs were for pre heat but I did not know if the snail design allowed water to make its way back into the logs and ports or not. Thank you does any one have a performance opinion on this set up? Does it rob much power?

Like Ray said they are working as designed with constant water flow (if plumbed correctly) if you were able to "regulate back" the water flow somehow to come on at higher rpm you would jeprodize (burn) the exaust Hoses that connect the tips to the snails , regarding performance logs vs Headers , with the addition of headers and others changes plus tuning you would likley pickup some some appreciable increase on power Tom

 

[ICECREAMAN]

My suggestion would be, if you're not building a fairly serious performance engine, leave the logs on the boat. They're much more user friendly than headers, no need to worry about header burns, noise, and water reversion issues. There's many other aspects of your boat that are probably robbing more power from your boat than the exhaust, ie: Hull and pump issues. Have fun.

 

[Moneypit]

Logs vs headers...

My suggestion would be, if you're not building a fairly serious performance engine, leave the logs on the boat. They're much more user friendly than headers, no need to worry about header burns, noise, and water reversion issues. There's many other aspects of your boat that are probably robbing more power/performance from your boat than the exhaust, ie: Hull and pump issues. Have fun.

ICM, I agree, there are many many ways to increase BOAT performance without actually adding power modifications to existing, AND WORKING engines.... Trim tabs have found more speed for jetboats than headers.... I often wonder how many jets, including mine, have unknown "hooks" in the hulls? How many pumps are just barely hanging on when it comes to efficiency?....How many simple carb adjustments/fine tuning could add to the economy of a weekend?.... All that said, if I had it to do over, I would leave the logs on my Tahiti BBC..... The hassle of dodging the LE, the flow issues, the constant warnings to passengers about the BURNS, the boat covers that don't fit w/headers, etc etc... Headers just aren't worth the hassle..... Leave it alone and use it for what it was designed for...... FUN.......
Ray
PS the Bassetts are coming OFF my boat this spring, going BACK to logs!!!!

 

[johnf]

Tahitijetn. There is a thread "Headers vs logs" Check it out With my engine only 400hp it was a no brainer!!!! My grankids and dogs love to lean on the logs!!!! johnf

 

[md-11mike]

Tahitijetn. There is a thread "Headers vs logs" Check it out With my engine only 400hp it was a no brainer!!!! My grankids and dogs love to lean on the logs!!!! johnf

Like this post!
What sort of engine does the boat have? If it is a stocker or low power you are wasting your money. What sort of rpm does this engine realistically turn? Like Johnf said too its nice to have water cooled exhaust. The headers look nice and make a lot of sound but try touching them some time right after you shut the thing down even. Amazing how fast you can get a 1st and 2nd degree burn. If you are going to throw money at it make it reliable first. Boating is alot more fun when the boat is running vs sitting on the trailer cause it dont.

 

[Chop Shop]

My headers look fast even with my boat off.

 

[tahitijetn]

It has a 396 bbc a little bore and a little cam nothing close to crazy.

 

[md-11mike]

It has a 396 bbc a little bore and a little cam nothing close to crazy.

Yea I for sure wouldn't change what you got then. It was set up to be a 50 or 60 mph boat. Headers aren't going to do a thing other than make more noise. Then you have to put those crappy looking stainless discs over the holes in the transom.

 

[rogerroost]

My suggestion would be, if you're not building a fairly serious performance engine, leave the logs on the boat. They're much more user friendly than headers, no need to worry about header burns, noise, and water reversion issues. There's many other aspects of your boat that are probably robbing more power from your boat than the exhaust, ie: Hull and pump issues. Have fun.

I totally agree ,,,,however I love my o/t headers!devil love the look, the sound, the performance, & it's a great reason for not bringing passengers

 

[nikkimorrow85]

how is the water hooked up on the nicson logs? From gate valve to bottom nipple or top noiiple?

 

[jetboatperformance]

how is the water hooked up on the nicson logs? From gate valve to bottom nipple or top noiiple?

See if this helps ?