Project boat re-power. H6 vs ZR409

[dhmcfadin]

Hey PN,

I am preparing to do a complete drivetrain replacement on my 99 Sport Nautique. I have been considering either the H6 or ZR409. I want this boat to be REALLY fun to drive. The 550 isnÂ’t available as re-power. My dealer simply canÂ’t order it. (I was serious about this). So I had to compromise. While I was really leaning towards the H6, my dealer got back to me today and quoted me $28,000.00+ with a 1.23:1. No labor. Just the engine, trans, and shipping. Kinda hard to swallow for a naturally aspirated engine.

In comparison with the H6, the ZR409 has slightly less horsepower (409 vs 450) but more torque than the H6 (492 vs 465). The only major difference I can find between the two is the H6 has direct Injection and is .2 liters larger.

I found the ZR409 at Discount Inboard Marine for half the price of the H6 with the trans. IÂ’m just trying to justify and understand the cost of the H6. Especially if the ZR409 is going to give me better performance. I would think torque would be more important for a heavier boat like the Sport Nautique.

I appreciate anyoneÂ’s feedback.

[vision]

The boat will fly with a ZR409. Extremely reliable motor with a better track record than the relatively new H6. Even if they were the same cost, I would select the ZR409.


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[Evening Shade]

With DI, you could expect better fuel economy with the H6, but **** $28,000 is astronomical for this type of engine. Honestly, I'm not surprised that its expensive as its GMs latest V8 technology, but that's crazy money. Hot rod/muscle car guys would have a heart attack paying that much for a 450hp engine/transmission. For that kind of money they would expect 1500+hp! Boats are a luxury and the aftermarket prices reflect it.

Go with the ZR409! Its 20 year old technology and won't get great fuel economy, but its tried and true. Btw, have you checked with skidim.com? They may have something you would like at a little better price.

[Bimmerboyz]

They put the Python in the 99 Sport Nautique, why not look for that?

[jjackkrash]

I suspect the 492 pound feet of torque rating is when paired with 1.23:1 transmission and the H6 torque rating is at the engine before the transmission. Before the transmission the ZR409 has around 400 pound feet of torque, IIRC. Apples to Apples when I last looked the H6 had about 60 more pound feet of torque than the ZR4. The ZR4 is much more comparable to the H5 in terms of torque. But for 1/2 the price a ZR409 would still rock in a 99 Sport Nautique.

[Infinity]

I have the ZR409 engine in my 24ft boat. Its a great engine, literally zero issues in 5yrs and plenty of power. I get great fuel economy also, 5-6GPH average and fully weighted surfing is what I do 95% of the time

[dhmcfadin]

They put the Python in the 99 Sport Nautique, why not look for that?

If you can find one for me to buy, I am all over it. But they are extremely rare.

[Bimmerboyz]

I am in the same situation but trying to find a 99-03 SAN. Been actively looking for 6 months. If I find a DD Python I’ll send it your way.

[dhmcfadin]

I am in the same situation but trying to find a 99-03 SAN. Been actively looking for 6 months. If I find a DD Python I’ll send it your way.

I appreciate that!

[jtryon]

problem solved? https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...ython-2000-196

[dhmcfadin]

Awesome boat!! Wow!