OUTLAW EAGLE MANUFACTURING

Guest · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:51 pm Post subject: Sportjet intake grate

I have the ez-clean grate on my sportjet. I was thinking of adding 2 more bolts to hold the intake grate in. There are only two bolts holding the front of it on, and I have sheared one off twice while the other was 1/2 sheared. So I was thinking of adding 2 more bolts, represented in the picture by black dots. Does anybody know what is behind there? Is there enough material to do this? The factory holes are at the edges where it is bolted now.

I was also thinking of tuning the grate, make it look more like an airplane wing. Is this a waste of time in this low performance application. I've heard of people doing it in racing applications.

Thanks

WILSON · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 352 Location: Mexico City

I would NOT put those additional bolts, as you might create a passage for the transmission oil to escape, and bust the gear.

I would try putting the additional bolts on the other end of the intake grate.

Even if it is not a racing boat, tuning the grate will ultimately help you out on fuel consumption, so go ahead and do it.

Guest · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 1:15 am Post subject:

Thanks for the reply Wilson.

I don't think that adding bolts to the other end of the grate would help. It is just the front 2 that shear off, the back ones I havn't had any problems with.

I see what you mean about possibly drilling a hole into the case. I wonder how thick that is before you'd get to anything important.

All in all it is pretty tough. It's just a weak link that I think could be improved.

Kevin

ALEX · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 176 Location: red deer

YOUR GRATE IS THE OLD STYLE MOUNT ;THE CURRENT(MY1999 ) USED BY OUTLAW USES THE FACTORY MERCURY GRATE MOUNT HOLES;THESE DO NOT GIVE ANY TROUBLE ; I WOULD SUGGEST UPGRADING TO THIS GRATE

hyerup · Joined: 18 Aug 2005 Posts: 9 Location: Alberta

Quick question- how does one "tune the intake"?
I would like to improve my 240 mileage also

WILSON · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 352 Location: Mexico City

You just file the intake grate bar edges so it looks more or less as the wing of a plane. The idea is that the grate does not produce turbulence on the water flow passing through it.

Xerophobic · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:08 pm Post subject:

perhaps i can help explain here. I happen to be doing this right now for my tunnel but same idea Im sure applies.

I had a pretty crap grate on the boat I made before and with my new IMP and tight pump I wanted to work it over, instead I made a new one altogether!

Started with 1" x14" cold rolled flat bar stock. Milled the leading edges with a 1/4 round over bit. Cheated with the tool alighnment to give it a slightly more pointed shape(sorry no pics of that process). Then tilted the milling machine head and put a 9 degree chamfer on the trailing edges...

Xerophobic · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:09 pm Post subject:

cut 2...

Xerophobic · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:11 pm Post subject:

after some final grinding and hitting the bars with scotchbrite pads they look rather peeerty ......and deadly! too bad the pointy side goes 'in', Iwon't be makin salmon salad next time I run the Nottawasaga afterall Sad

lol

here's the finished bars ready for final trim and fitment into the grate...

Xerophobic · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:12 pm Post subject:

trailing edge...

Xerophobic · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:15 pm Post subject:

and i wasn't happy with how the weld point between the bar and rear plate ended up last time so im notching the rear plate so I can basically "plug" weld the bar into the plate and grind smooth. Im being alot more careful this time to avoid and "bloby" welds anywhere there is waterflow. I will bondo whatever I can't make pretty in solid metal

Xerophobic · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:20 pm Post subject:

keep in mind I live 4000 kms away from the race scene and really have no clue what Im doing LOL It sure seems to be logical that this will flow water a hell of alot better than what was on there before!
I do have some concern with my affinity for smaller rivers and creeks that A) this grate will definatly plug up easier and B) the bars are signifigantly weaker as the cross section is greatly reduced. Perhaps next time I will start with a bar maybe 5/16" x 1 1/4"
We'll see how it works out and I'll post a pic when its done

Cheers

(incidentally the outside bars are welded in "straight up" but the inners are welded as to draw water more to the outside of the intake to avoid the driveshaft, again just a theory<shrugs>)

JR · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 81

I can see that getting full of stone's real quick.. Very Happy

. Cheers JR

hyerup · Joined: 18 Aug 2005 Posts: 9 Location: Alberta

AS A ROOKIE "ROCK BASHER" (I DIDN'T KNOW MY WIFE'S VOICE COULD GO THAT HIGH.....) I THINK LEAVING THE BOTTOM EDGE OF THE BARS FLAT WOULD BE BETTER FOR ME.
QUESTION: WOULD TAPERING THE TOP EDGES ON THE BARS HAVE ANY POSITIVE EFFECTS ON THE GRATE'S PERFORMANCE?

Xerophobic · Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:27 pm Post subject:

well im certainly not that many rungs above rookie myself I mean $#@% I haven't even learned you can't DO this stuff in a 21 tunnel yet
lol
This grate is meant more to start getting the speed out of my tunnel than rock bashing. But Im sure it will see its share knowing me. Very Happy

Cheers

(I could see it helping possibly and I definatly can't see it hurting so why not go for it?)