TOPIC: Did I get lucky finding this motor, help IDing

I've been looking for an old inline for my boat and finally got one this week. I wasn't particular about what I got but think I got very lucky. There are no marking on the cowl etc, I have found the serial number on the midsection to be 4749859 (hard to get a picture of) and the number on the block to be 4868893 below 852-6622 (casting not stamp). I have no interest to sell it but word was there is an ignition problem and having the motor/year would help to say the least. It has a dist with a single coil.

1976-77 1500xs. Very rare, Very desirable.
The 1500xs is identified by the "J" stamp I have circled in the attached picture.
It was uniquely ported by Mercury Racing for their teams in Sport J, etc.
Lot of other details to identify the beast, but typically the "J" stamp nails it as a positive find.
doc

Would love to hear more about my engine and how to be true to it. Im an old car nut, mostly early (model T) racing and such, third generation.

I forgot to attach the picture of the "J" stamp.
doc

Hey Swabby,

Welcome to FiberGlassics.

Sounds like you may have hit the jackpot. I suppose you could paint it cloud white and put on the chrome letters but how about instead an era appropriate hull for the XS. Easy for me to say and I’m sure the good Doctor can make recommendations.

The 800's and later Mark's are still out there for the 1959 Shell Lake.

Please post more pics.

Hey Doc,
Your Red Stripe 1500 XS is too pretty.

Thanks,
Terry

This video of a 1500XS-powered Carlson Contender should give you some inspiration!

From what I can tell this block was put on the mid section, there is no louvered cowl low water pickup etc. As far as finding another boat I could understand that if it was a complete motor. The '59 is a good little boat and will go great behind my 59 tbird. The car is a little modded so a modded boat fits behind as well. The hull of the Shell Lake is a flat bottom with strengthening strips which is quite quick on the water. I do wish I still had my challenger but it wasnt a good boat for the keys. I can see people looking at the boat thinking, "wow an 80hp, I bet that flies" and I just smile . . .

Hey Ed,
Oh Man, cranked up the speakers here and the sound of that Merc sent shivers. Gentlemen, hang on to your hats!
Thanks for sharing.

Swabby


Old buddy's Shell Lake powered by Old Merc.

All I can say is "WOW". I thought my 1150 cranked up nice when I get about 40 MPH in my 17 ft Thompson. A totally different sound and talk about a wild ride!!
Bill

Starting to look better

Im an old car nut, mostly early (model T) racing and such, third generation.
Hum-m-m-m,...I have a Model T, but its top speed is about 22 MPH, before it gets SCARY!!
The '59 is a good little boat and will go great behind my 59 tbird. The car is a little modded so a modded boat fits behind as well.
I used to have a T-Bird too, but it wasn't a '59
Slightly modified,...Sporting a 410ci SBC.
We appear to have a few interests in common!!!
doc

I have the detuned T passed down to me (mine is earlier) I "restored" cosmetically my moms T (now mine) in 2000. It isnt good for much over 80 But I intend to restor her former glory. A few months ago my son and I were running over 70.

She is detuned from a roof to a rajo and the driveline swapped which I intend to correct along witt the carb/s. All keeping with the period. Running right she is not the only model T I have been behind the wheel of that will turn triple digits . . .

Very cool!!!
doc