Cool Videos - Python 502

Sounds pretty good. I was waiting for him to bury the speedos, but I guess he got to 47 quick enough.

That's a dual exhaust boat, right Tim? I believe it was offered from '99 to '01. Very rare power plant in the 196

Ken

I never see Python, Ski Nautiques for sale. They must be extremely hard to come by. Too bad CC but that out of the 196 production. It must be an awesome barefoot boat.

Ken

Probably one reason they are relatively scarce was cost new, when I ordered my 99' Air to go from the GT-40 to the Python was a $6k add, or form $36k to $42k. Kept me from getting one.

Nautique2001 wrote: That's a lot of money for the extra HP.

   Yeah,but it's ALOT of extra power


    Mike

The Python weighs 1,200 pounds verse 930 pounds for the 375HP, ZR6 PCM. That's a 270 pound weight difference between the two. I'm sure that causes a slight effect on the wake.

I haven't heard much feedback on the performance and reliability of the 8.1 HO engine. I know it requires premium gas and gobbles it right up. I would love to test drive a SN with the 8.1 HO and the 6.0 to feel the difference.

Ken

No kidding, nothing like using the engine cover as a sail. One of these days he'll show it off and the engine cover will snap off and deep six. Then he'll be on CCF looking for a replacement!

Ken

Chirping in here guys for the first time. I own a 1999 196 Python 502. Yes they are extremely rare. Mine was one of two in New England the year I bought it. One of the biggest misconcepttions about the Python is that it sucks gas. I think if you review this LINK you will realize that just the opposite is true. As far as it being loud yes it is compared to a GT40 but the tradeoff here is it is dam sexy! Yes the torque is uncompromising but the result is an extremely clean pull. The boat at low weight (ex.Low fuel, one driver and minumal gear) will do 53-54 MPH. When the GT40 starts getting soft in the low to mid fourties the python has a distintive punch left. I did have the dilema of the extra $ for the upgrade when I bought the boat. I preseasoned ordered the bought and got somewhat of a discount. At the time I ratioanlized that this was the first year the engine was offered, the last year for the classic Hull Graphic that had been around for a long time, and also that there probably would not be alot of them around; which is really true because they were only offered for two years. All of the above rationalization has seen it's fruition and I am glad to have a PYTHON even if is only to see people's jaw drop when they ask you what you have for an engine.If you ever get to New Hampshire and it's Ski season look me up and you can give her a rip for yourself.

skiguy wrote: One of the biggest misconcepttions about the Python is that it sucks gas. I think if you review this LINK you will realize that just the opposite is true.

Interesting article, though I believe the recent small blocks (ProBoss, GT40, Excalibur) have all been pushing close to 400 lb-ft (not the 310-320 that was quoted).

Its too bad you didnt find this site a few weeks ago- it would have been fun to see that boat at the NE Reunion last weekend.

Hollywood has a point- how do we get in touch with you? I work only 20 min from NH.

TRBenj wrote: skiguy wrote: One of the biggest misconcepttions about the Python is that it sucks gas. I think if you review this LINK you will realize that just the opposite is true. Interesting article, though I believe the recent small blocks (ProBoss, GT40, Excalibur) have all been pushing close to 400 lb-ft (not the 310-320 that was quoted). Its too bad you didnt find this site a few weeks ago- it would have been fun to see that boat at the NE Reunion last weekend. Hollywood has a point- how do we get in touch with you? I work only 20 min from NH.

I have updated my profile so you can Email me if you want to get in touch. Interesting point about the torque on the newer small blocks; although you will still need the 502 if you want the 510 ft./lbs. of torque. Maybe I will do the reunion next year. I attended in 1999 the first year they had one in New England. Do they still give away good swag?

TRBenj wrote: skiguy wrote: I have updated my profile so you can Email me if you want to get in touch. Interesting point about the torque on the newer small blocks; although you will still need the 502 if you want the 510 ft./lbs. of torque. Maybe I will do the reunion next year. I attended in 1999 the first year they had one in New England. Do they still give away good swag? Where abouts in NH are you located? Id love to get a ride in that Python. You should be aware though- there are small blocks here that will outrun you

Something tells me they are not stock though

I've actully thought about juicing mine up too someday.

I run my Boat on Conway Lake.

66Skylark wrote: Skiguy, Post some shots of the boat and motor when you have a chance... We'd love to see it. Lake Conway? You're not too far from where the reunion was held. If the reunion is in Limerick again next year you'll have an easy ride. Tim, Funny that we just talked to Ken about the Python vs. the GT40 this weekend and this thread comes back... After this weekend we were pretty sure we had sold Ken on the GT40. I wonder if the revival of this thread will cause him any second thoughts?

If your lulled by throaty inboard sounds the Python will purr away any secound thoughts. All kidding aside it's all about the Novelty

Glad to have reserected an interesting topic on HP/Motor size/ and ft/lb. blaa blaa blaa.
My question here is where does the balance lie between speed/tourque and overall skier user performance. The Python was actually brought to the forefront in the beginning as a Ski Flyers engine. The Earlier GT40's just did'nt have the tourque to rail a skier off raised conventional jumps and to maintain a consistent pull at 38+ and up MPH. For the rest of us humans who usually ski in the 32-36 mph range the GT40 and it's cousins is IMO more than adequate. The Python is basically absurd. Although it is certainly nice to have those extra balls for just shear driving fun outside of towing a skier. I would be really interested to hear other folks modfictions of the traditional 350/351 inboard motors because I really can't imagine how ludricous it would be to take a Python and work it out.

I'm sure there must be some other links on this forum to this topic and please excuse my ignorance for not having found them yet.

Thanks for the welcome here it seems like a great place.

TRBenj wrote: skiguy wrote: I would be really interested to hear other folks modfictions of the traditional 350/351 inboard motors because I really can't imagine how ludricous it would be to take a Python and work it out. Joe's 408 Reidp's 302 Rocketship (most of the way down the page) JR_VIC's Hi-Teks and upgraded heads Alan's 351w performance rebuild Doc's 331 stroker My top end build and exhaust project Lots of other guys here with fast boats, too-but these threads should get you started.

Thanks for all the great Links. I've got a ways to go to understanding all of that!

BuffaloBFN wrote: I wish there was a similar list for 454 rebuilds/mods!

Id be willing to bet that there are more available options for a BBC build than there are for a SBF.