Rod and Flo are into classic wooden boats and came to us with a kiwi-built ski boat from the 1960s set up for a small block Chev and V-drive. Their brief was simple: ‘Build them a cool hot rod for out at Lake Rotoiti’. Rod had a 350 Vortec sitting around, but with that brief in mind, we thought they needed something more period correct. Luck would have it, our engine rebuilder Sean was removing a 327 Chev from a ‘38 Ford he was building. So, we struck a deal. The motor was already a good strong motor with TRW forged pistons, hydraulic lifters, and roller rockers. So, we just freshened it up with new rings, bearings, and a Mutha Thumpa cam. While Rod set about finding original rocker covers, marine manifolds, bell housing and the like from the States. To make the boat a little more ‘user friendly’, we rebuilt a Borg Warner Velvet Drive Rod had. And installed it between the motor and V-drive to give forward, reverse, and neutral. Rod says the neighbours can hear them coming home from halfway down the lake. Did we meet the brief? Click the video link, turn up the volume, and decide for yourself.
