Used PCM GT-40 5.8 L for Sale

**MikeC** · 02-17-2009, 09:45 AM

flipside,
Here's my suggestion; if you WANT a new engine and the insurance company is going to pay enough to cover the cost of the engine, installation, rigging and most likely re-propping. Then go for it. If you don't WANT a new engine then take it to an engine shop and see if you NEED a new engine and go from there. There will be some difference between the Ford and the Chevy engines - but chances are, you won't notice it - especially with the right prop.

You have to remember that coming on here is like going to a Microsoft developers website and asking how to use Microsoft Word, you'll get everthing from "hit the open button" to an indepth description of the programming that drives the software. The point is, these people are experts and they are not trying to scare you, they are just letting you know what their concerns would be if they were in your situation. And I will let you know that the GT 40 engine is probably the most highly regarded engine that's been installed in a Nautique (except maybe the Python, but there's not many of those).

**Mikeski** · 02-18-2009, 01:53 AM

How many of you have driven similarly weighted SANs with GT40 and Excalibur's? Keep in mind I am a very-very picky driver. I notice a slightly damaged prop or a slight motor misfire when others notice nothing. I am not better than anybody it's just that I probably have close to 5000 hours of behind the steering wheel time.

It's very hard to notice the difference on a direct drive, but a v-drive tipping the scales at a portly 6,000lbs really brings out a motor's weakness. I didn't think there was much difference until I drove the two nearly identical boats with the different motors.

The Excalibur can work but you should plan to spin a significantly flatter pitch prop to gain the same performance you get with the GT40.

If I was in your predicament, I would not think twice. That GT40 would get rebuilt to new spec or I would search for a new one in the back of a warehouse. If I couldn't find a new one I would just get a local rebuild shop to build one for me. One with a good warranty and local support in case there are issues. In fact if my Excalibur froze and insurance was buying a new motor, I would give some serious consideration to replacing it with a GT40...

You have a very tough decision, I don't envy your position.

**i_am_am** · 02-18-2009, 01:16 PM

probably just split a cylinder or two. that is what happened to mine. my machine shop just sleeved the split cylinder and good as new. maybe a shortblock is all his needs . f150 lightning is what ford marine based the gt40 on. probably could find that somewhere. i would seriously stay with the ford. i have driven both engines and the ford seems to be more responsive.

**saceone** · 02-18-2009, 01:42 PM

I drove a 01 210 with the gt40 and there's no way I'd trade it for my excalibur ( 02 210)
but that's just me...

**Chexi** · 02-18-2009, 03:03 PM

Saceone, I could read your statement both ways. Which engine do you prefer?

**AirTool** · 02-18-2009, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by Chexi

Saceone, I could read your statement both ways. Which engine do you prefer?

agree....not clear.

**saceone** · 02-18-2009, 10:46 PM

sorry, I agree it wasn't clear..

I like my excalibur. The gt40 felt good too but I don't know, I found the EX to be a better all around engine...keep in mind I only got to drive the gt40 for 15-20 mins...

**inboard60** · 02-19-2009, 12:05 AM

i want to know what insurance company is paying you for a cracked block due to freezing. it is my understanding that that would be excluded on your boat insurance policy. If not then why would anyone ever winterize. If Ins companies paid for this then they would go broke!!!!!!

**Mikeski** · 02-19-2009, 12:27 AM

Flipside,

What prop are you turning behind the GT40? Acme 536, 380, or ???

**Flipside** · 02-19-2009, 01:18 AM

I'm surprised to hear from "Laptom" that the GT40 gets better gas mileage (or hours/Gal I suppose). Skidim.com and PCM state the Excalibur gets better "mileage"

**Flipside** · 02-19-2009, 01:22 AM

As far as the prop I'm using an Acme 380. A prop shop says that this was a superior prop. Comments/education on this would be appreciated?

**Flipside** · 02-19-2009, 01:25 AM

As for the insurance company, it was Allstate. I live in the Northwest where we were hit with an abnormal winter blast. The policy says that I needed to use reasonable efforts to protect the boat from freezing. I had the boat in a covered barn with a light bulb in the engine compartment. This was enough for Allstate. I'm in "Good Hands with Allstate."

**Bruce_M** · 02-19-2009, 01:37 AM

Boat US says the same thing. Or similar coverage for damage due to freezing.

Originally posted by Flipside

As for the insurance company, it was Allstate. I live in the Northwest where we were hit with an abnormal winter blast. The policy says that I needed to use reasonable efforts to protect the boat from freezing. I had the boat in a covered barn with a light bulb in the engine compartment. This was enough for Allstate. I'm in "Good Hands with Allstate."

**Mikeski** · 02-19-2009, 01:37 AM

One more data point. My Excalibur with the 380 (13.5 x 17.5) was a joke with full ballast and 4 in the boat it was a very slow start. Switched to repitched 380 (13.5 x 15.5) better holeshot but vibrated, 536 (13.5 x 16) somewhat better, 644 (13.25 x 16) a bit better, OJ (13.7 x 15.5 xmp) a bit worse, new exhaust manifolds & 1160 (13.5 x 16 and more cup) back to similar performance as the 644 but less cavitation, 1272 (14.5 x 14.25 extra cup) good for starts but bad wake, 1234 (14.5 x 14.25 std cup) good prop for heavy load but the motor really spins.

Wow, I can't believe I have had 8 different props on the same boat. If the Excalibur turned the 380 like BKHallpasses GT40 turns his, the 380 would still be on my boat.

I would bet your GT40 had no trouble spinning the 380 and that it was the stock team prop behind the GT40. Note the 536 was the stock team prop behind the Excalibur due to the loss in torque. When the factory changes the stock prop you know there is a reason...

**Laptom** · 02-19-2009, 04:14 AM

Flipside,

I had different 210 with GT40's and Excaliburs... Every GT40 was better on fuel then the Excalibur. This was measured over a year everytime (fuel usage divided by the hours). We never loaded our 210's. Just stock ballast and in average with 4-5 persons. Wakeboard and surf only. We also noticed that on average we could drive more hours on a tank of petrol with the GT40 then Excalibur.

I'm very hesitated about factory measurements. They only show from a single (or perhaps a few) type of measurements and not a random daily use.
Also, it's a newer engine... Of course they have to say it's better on fuel... It's a marketing ;-) ..