Which Looper block to build.

[Ricklamb]

I have a 1986 225 bridgeport with the smaller cc heads and a 1989 200 GT both have the midbore carbs both need rebuilding. Also have 1991 200 looper. Trying to decide which one to rebuild. Not looking to extract the max power. Just want the boat to run in the 70's with a couple passengers.
1988 21' Laser 420.

[Instigator]

In stock configuration the 2.7 has over 30% more exhaust port area then both 3 L blocks which by the way are identical.

It would be the easiest one to get to spin high RPMs but would have less low end grunt which you’re going to want.

The 3 L have more low end grunt but you’ll have to get them work to get them to turn over 6K stock.

The 2.7 heads are what you want to use regardless of which direction you go with blocks.

The downside is none of the three have finger ports which I am an avid believer in.

The good news is almost everything is interchangeable.
So you can find a good donor 3 L finger port block,widen the exhaust ports use all of your internals from either of the two 3 L and even the 2.7 assuming you put 3 L pistons on it and bolt it together with your new 3 L block.

I’ve posted on here many many times on how to do all the above and unfortunately I don’t think there’s a way for it all of the catalog to where it remains easily searchable which that function doesn’t ever seem to work very well on the site anyhow.

If you decide to get into it serious I’m more of a telephone guy than I am a posting guy these days.

Let me know and I will PM you my phone number and set up a time where you’ve got a pad and a pencil so you can remember the specifics.

Fairly easy to do, biggest challenge for most guys is being able to run a die grinder and do your own porting.

By the way I had the same boat with a 3 L looper the same as the two you have and it showed 80 on the speedometer 100 years ago.

Never had GPS in those days would guess it was probably running close to 70.
It was an absolute blast to drive!
Once I was taught how to do the “steering chop”.

Loved that boat.

[Ricklamb]

In stock configuration the 2.7 has over 30% more exhaust port area then both 3 L blocks which by the way are identical.

It would be the easiest one to get to spin high RPMs but would have less low end grunt which you’re going to want.

The 3 L have more low end grunt but you’ll have to get them work to get them to turn over 6K stock.

The 2.7 heads are what you want to use regardless of which direction you go with blocks.

The downside is none of the three have finger ports which I am an avid believer in.

The good news is almost everything is interchangeable.
So you can find a good donor 3 L finger port block,widen the exhaust ports use all of your internals from either of the two 3 L and even the 2.7 assuming you put 3 L pistons on it and bolt it together with your new 3 L block.

I’ve posted on here many many times on how to do all the above and unfortunately I don’t think there’s a way for it all of the catalog to where it remains easily searchable which that function doesn’t ever seem to work very well on the site anyhow.

If you decide to get into it serious I’m more of a telephone guy than I am a posting guy these days.

Let me know and I will PM you my phone number and set up a time where you’ve got a pad and a pencil so you can remember the specifics.

Fairly easy to do, biggest challenge for most guys is being able to run a die grinder and do your own porting.

By the way I had the same boat with a 3 L looper the same as the two you have and it showed 80 on the speedometer 100 years ago.

Never had GPS in those days would guess it was probably running close to 70.
It was an absolute blast to drive!
Once I was taught how to do the “steering chop”.

Loved that boat.

That's awesome! Please pm phone number and times to call, I'll have my pen and paper ready. Thanks, Rick