2013 Sport 200 engine options, 343 vs 409

[perry386]

I have an 08 390 (which is the same engine as the 409, but the 409 is tuned out a little more) and It's awesome......like the other guy said HP is king

[mpc]

There's no doubt that the extra HP will be noticed and enjoyable - there are times you just want to feel more power. I am a bit confused as to the real weight of the engines. I do see the weight on the GM site and I am wondering if the conflicting weight difference mentioned here from different posts is due to what PCM does to the engine after they get it from GM. The 107 extra pounds does sound like alot to reduce and that sure should effect the slalom wake.

[TRBenj]

I suspect that the weight difference on gm's website may be comparing apples to oranges. Perhaps the 350 is shipped as a long block while the 6.0l is fully dressed? The 6.0l is definitely lighter when comparing like engines. PCM doesn't advertise any specs beyond hp anymore, unfortunately. I believe the difference is somewhere around 75lbs.

[Sullivan]

Here is something that I just found: http://www.successcraft.com.au/html/engines.html

[swc5150]

I'm surprised to see they still make a carb'd engine. I can't imagine that's a very sought after motor?

[mpc]

Sullivan, Great research - Thank You. This is as close as we have been to getting true specs. The ZR on that site does state 390 HP though. It is too bad that PCM does not provide more detailed specs (torque, weight) on their engine lineup.

[Quinner]

That could be outdated data unless PCM is still producing those for certain markets, they have not been available in CC's for some time. The ZR6 is 390hp and the ZR409 is 409hp, different motors/setups.

[Mikeski]

I believe the difference took place when PCM introduced the Catalytic motors they took advantage of the O2 sensors in the exhaust and tightened up the tuning parameters gaining 13HP on the Excalibur and 19HP on the ZR6. I am not sure what the difference between the 375HP and 390HP versions of the ZR6? As far as I am aware the 409 is still a 6.0L iron block with cathedral port aluminum heads as they have been since introduction. The square port heads make more power but it seems to come on later (higher RPM).

[mpc]

I was able to have a discussion today with Jody Seal of Florida Inboards in Panama City - Thank you to swc5150 & Quinner for sending me in that direction. Jody is a warehouse of CC knowledge. He was very willing to provide his expertise and knowledge, he dose say that he does not have much direct experience with the v-drives as he personally uses a DD. Being in the industry he does rubs shoulders with others that regularly use the v-drives. He strongly suggests the way to go is the ZR409. It is lighter (40 lbs or so), newer technology, stronger pull and in most situations better fuel economy.

This has been my first experience (rookie) with the forum on Planet Nautique and it has been a resounding success. I would like to thank each and everyone responding to my request on this thread. All your information and feedback has been very valuable and in the end did raise some questions that I did not even think of or consider. It is the sharing of "real world" experience & knowledge on this forum that makes it a successful and worthwhile venture.

I have ordered the 2013 Sport 200 with the ZR409.

[swc5150]

Congrats!! Share some details! Colors, Team, etc? If you went Team, you'll love the Link. It does just about everything but massage your feet.

[mpc]

Congrats!! Share some details! Colors, Team, etc? If you went Team, you'll love the Link. It does just about everything but massage your feet.

I went with the Team edition and virtually every option except for the fresh water engine flush (solely used on a lake) and the remote stereo control as I don't want the kids to change the music on me from the back. My colour is victory red (hull side) with no decals but the raised Sport Nautique lettering. I wanted a subtle look which is not too common for ski/wake-board boats but I intend to keep it for awhile so not as concerned of resale.

[mpc]

I went with the Team edition and virtually every option except for the fresh water engine flush (solely used on a lake) and the remote stereo control as I don't want the kids to change the music on me from the back. My colour is victory red (hull side) with no decals but the raised Sport Nautique lettering. I wanted a subtle look which is not too common for ski/wake-board boats but I intend to keep it for awhile so not as concerned of resale.

P.S. If you want your boat to massage your feet I suggest you hammer one of your prop blades out of alignment a bit and the ensuing vibration should do the trick. Not suggesting one does this - just an idea for owners other than Nautique owners -haha!.

[swc5150]

That'll look great! Good call - I think they look much better without those scalped decal stickers. I love the 200 Sport! If I could afford 2 boats, it would be the other one. If my wife demands one someday for the nice tanning deck on the back, and don't think I'll fight her on it.

I had a rock turn my '06 into a foot massager once

[Sullivan]

I believe the difference took place when PCM introduced the Catalytic motors they took advantage of the O2 sensors in the exhaust and tightened up the tuning parameters gaining 13HP on the Excalibur and 19HP on the ZR6. I am not sure what the difference between the 375HP and 390HP versions of the ZR6? As far as I am aware the 409 is still a 6.0L iron block with cathedral port aluminum heads as they have been since introduction. The square port heads make more power but it seems to come on later (higher RPM).

I've had a 6.0L in a 2011 and a 5.7L in a 2012. They are Ilmore engines but what you just described above is exactly what I experienced. The holeshot to 20 mph goes to the 5.7L however, after about 20 mph the 6.0 starts to come to life.

[NautiqueJeff]

I am not sure what the difference between the 375HP and 390HP versions of the ZR6

In 2007, I had a 236 and that was the year that we were testing Zero Off. I had the old style ECU, so I got the newer eControls ECU and installed it so that I could run Zero Off to test the product. I ran it side-by-side with PP that year.

Adding the eControls ECU was all that needed to happen in order to convert that engine to 390 HP, so it is all in the tuning for the 6L. It was a nice added benefit on top of testing Zero Off!! The 330/343 change was accomplished through several things (not just tuning), but the ZR6 was just a tuning change.