1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

[FieroGTP]

So my grandfather in law sold me his boat for 1$ 2 years ago. It is a MINT condition 76 Mirrocraft. Yeah there are a TON of them out there but I can only find info about boats that may take 90hp at max... My Mirrocraft is a 19' V-hull bowrider. It is aluminum and powered by a 140hp IO merc 4 cyl. It is a pretty fast boat. Considering I can't get the RPM @ WOT to the spec (max's @ 3200 rmp rather then 4200-4600 max). That may be the carb??? Since the prop is stock. My grandfather in law had the boat since 1978 and its been VERY well kept but could use some paint outside. It is 34 years old. I did contact Mirrocraft and they new nothing! They had a fire in the 80's if I remember correct and they lost tons of stuff... FAIL! Anyone know anything I don't?? Thanks!

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

Any pics?

 

[FieroGTP]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

I will get some pictures... My pc went meltdown so I am posting from my cell. Perhaps I can upload to facebook and link them here? Its pretty sharp even if it is 70's green. HaHa

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

MirroCrafts are generally quite lightweight so the engine should have sufficient power to reach the WOT spec (4600 rpm). However, the engine is 34 years old and depending on the amount of use, may just be "tired". Check compression. Do a tune-up including points, condenser and plugs. Set the dwell and timing to spec. Make sure the carb is clean and rebuild it if necessary. Make certain the carb butterflies are fully vertical when the throttle is full forward. Be aware that there is no such thing as a "stock" prop. What the boat came with may have been wrong all along although being an I/O, they are at least close to optimum. Do not spend a bunch of money on props until you are certain the engine is making full power. If it is down on power a new prop will not bring that power back.

 

[FieroGTP]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

I was going to make sure that the engine was running up to par before re-propping her. We GPSed her about 34mph with that low rpm (3200) the other day. I KNOW she needs attention in the carb area at least... Seriousl stumble (sometimes stall) when doing a hole shot! If you walk the throttle up quickly its ok but not snapping her open. She was not run allot since it was new. Maybe 5-10 times a year. That's why she is such great shape.
Thanks a ton for the suggestions. The boat shop said they would rebuild the carb for 50$ + parts. Not sure if that's a good deal? As for ignition I was looking into the electronic ignition swap. Seems reasonable @ 120$
Being a fan of boost (Dodge Ram diesek @ 900ft/lbs tq and my 3800 Supercharged swapped Fiero) I thought it would be cool to stick the 3800 engine to the Merc drive since it and the 4 banger share the same bolt patterns... But that's just a pipe dream for now, besides, 100 more hp may be too much for my Merc drive... Its not even an Alpha series either... Just a 120/140 Mercruiser Sterndrive!?!

Thanks again for the tips... Ill get started on them!

 

[TimBobCom]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

Not trying to hijack this thread, but do you happen to be from the St. Louis area? I met a guy at the drag strip a few years back that did that and there can't be too many people who wedge a 3800SC into a Fiero...

 

[FieroGTP]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

Not trying to hijack this thread, but do you happen to be from the St. Louis area? I met a guy at the drag strip a few years back that did that and there can't be too many people who wedge a 3800SC into a Fiero...

No that's not me... There actually are A LOT of Fiero owners, fanatics really, that do crazy stuff. I have personally done 3 3800SC swaps 3 L4 to v6 swaps and 2 4.3L Caddilac motor (aluminum block pre N* motor) swaps. There are guys with small block V8s and 32V North Star motors (5K$ turn key swap).
The electronics are so easy its a joke! WASP Marine, who makes the 3800 marine manifolds sells some engine computer that uses no IAC, no air temp sensor, and no MAF sensors. I don't like that idea because IMHO its important data. Its EASY to spend the 50$ to have the Grand Prix ECU reprogramed to run without data from the body control module or trans. U just need to comunicate between engine and ECU (all wiring already there) then an ignition signal, starter wire, power and ground and then any gauges or idiot lights u want. I would make a custom dash to hold the GTP cluster.

I think my videos are on my Myspace (My Fiero and one of the 4.3L I did. You can check them out! My name is Craig Gibson from Ohio.

Thanks

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

Welcome to iboats!

Sounds like you boat has a lot of potential.

How old is the gas in the tank? Old gas could cause the performance problems you're having.

 

[FieroGTP]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

Gas is fresh and I use sta-bil in winter.

 

[FieroGTP]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

Got some pictures...

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

Nice boat!

 

[FieroGTP]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

Nice boat!

Thanks! My wife and I are going to bring her up to date. It will take about 2k$ but will get new paint, carpet, throttle/trim controls/cables, full premium seat package w/ jump seats, electronic ignition, outdrive foil, small swim platform/ladder, guages, vynl for all other areas. Gonna go grey/red. Found everything in Overtons. Any other reputable affordable places to re-do a boat at?

 

[spudshaft]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

That is a great boat. Please keep the green. On another note, is that a 4X4 Metro?

 

[FieroGTP]

Re: 1976 Mirrocraft 1 of a kind? Can't find ANY info on her!

Sorry for the reply delay! Appearently my subscriptiom notices aren't working!

Yes it is indeed a green 4x4 Metro you see. The body rotted clean off the frame of my Tracker so... I replaced the body! Haha! Still has some work to do but should be ready soon. I LOVE projects!

I also have a 84 Cajun I got for free that needs a floor! Working on that too! HAHA