Hey PCM, Bring Back the PYTHON!

[WakeSlayer]

The exhaust doesn't bother me...... The reason it is so much louder is not because of the motor, it is because the motor is so gigantic that there is no room for the Invertaflo muffler. They are basically straight piped.

[Brownie]

they need a bigger motor with a lower torque curve. The ZR6 is more suited to footing and slalom than a loaded wake boat.

[coinless]

The python is a waste of money and gas. It barely gains 3-5 additional miles per hour and there is very little acceleration difference. For the $6,000 you'll spend, it ought to blow away the GT40. It doesn't! The only thing you gain is noise, gas consumption, and 200 pounds.

[Onthewater]

i might be one of the few that agrees with coinless, the costs do not outweigh the benefits.

[M3Fan]

i might be one of the few that agrees with coinless, the costs do not outweigh the benefits.

When I was looking for my latest rig last year, several very reasonably priced Pythons came up in my search at the right time, but I passed them over. The main reason was the noise- with how early we are out on the water, there is no need to disturb the lake residents more than we do already by laying out a 2000ft course on their lake. I'd heard such good things about the GT40 that it was GT40 or bust for me.

[DRAGON88]

Interestingly enough I just discovered that you can get a "python" in any of the new MC SS (Saltwater Series) boats apparently... I didn't know MC did business with PCM, erm... Crusader...

Mastercraft.com[/url]]
The Saltwater Series (SS) package offers your choice of Crusader 330-, 375- or 425-horsepower GM Vortec engines. All SS engines are closed cooled, are protected with premium multicoat, non-corrosive paint, and come with composite motor mounts.

[NautiqueJeff]

Yep, those are the Crusader engines - pretty much the same as PCM.

[alalor1]

MC started with PCM engines, so they have known PCM/Crusader for years...
GM didn't put as much effort into developing the big blocks as they did for the small blocks. Since the 80's, their heads never flow as well as the small blocks. They don't have as precise timing for the valves, etc. There is room to improve and make them feel a real difference, but GM doesn't sell enough of them to spend the time and cost to improve them. Sounds like the marinizing companies don't want to do it either. THey will probably go for the new 6.2 with VVT and 400 hp that comes on the Escalades, which is nothing but a bored out, stroked 350 with aluminium heads and fancy lifters that adjust the valve lift.

[bezoar551]

I've got a 2002 SANTE with the python big block. Great boat for the wakeboarders. Bought it this year and I love the power, but will be selling it soon. It's the wrong boat for me. Too much power and I primarily ski. The extra weight really throws a huge wake even at 30 mph. My buddies who wakeboard drool when they come out. The exhaust makes your jaws rattle when you stand on the platform.

It needs to go to a better home, one who will appreciate the power more than me. If anyone is interested post me.

[Miljack]

I have some "data" for you on the python engine. I received a dyno "plot" from PCM which shows that the python engine (8.2 liter-2000 model) is producing 400 ft.lbs of torque at 1500rpm, which steadily increases all the way across the rpm range to a peak of 504 ft.lbs of torque at 3800 rpm.
In my direct drive boat with a 1.23:1 reduction transmission, I run the ACME 380 prop which is the same prop on the superairs, not sure about the SANTE. The V drive boats use a 1.46:1 I think or somewhere right around there. Most people could run a "bigger" prop with a Python engine vdrive setup, depends on what kind of ballast you want to run with.
My boat will pull wakeboarders 20-24 mph at 2000-2300rpm. It also planes off no sweat, I've had a about 1500 pounds in it, and it pulls it right up on plane. I haven't done an average gallon per hour of running time, but for "normal" use, ie. wakeboarding, tubing and some cruising on a smallish (~3000 acre) lake, it will only burn about 30 gallons in a loongg day.

Jack

[rocco]

Hey PCM, Bring Back the PYTHON!

Don't know what boat coinless was riding"but it must have been a sick one"
I have got the 2000 (196) 502Python in my boat,..Take the GT40 or the ZR6 or whatever you got,, put as many barefooters behind it..and the Python will do one or maybe two more,Now thats Torgue....Its Not the Top end We want,its the take -off...So I got all that POWER if I need it...And if I don't need it I know I got it...
As far as Gas,,NOT that bad....Like the OLD saying goes...If your gonea Dance you got to pay the Fiddler..........

[WakeSlayer]

Rocco,

This is exactly what I am sayingl.....

The 196 with a Python. That is a sick ride. A friend has the SNOB with that motor. It is crazy how powerful that boat is. The most awesome inboard barefooting boat out there. Period.

Ready to dance anytime here.

M

[scooby]

I've got a 2001 SAN with the Python and would not change it for the world. Although, my whole crew and I really only wakeboard so the power is very useful especially when loaded with 1500lb and 8 guys in the boat. I think I still pull out of the hole better that most boat with factory and 3 peeps.

Although I will agree, the boat is a beast and not for everyone. for me specifically it isn't or was never a waste of money. I got the boat at a great deal and really enjoyed the power when it is needed.

The only downside is having to do maintenance on it. Darn it is tight in there.

[isbtown]

I'm looking at an 00 SAN with the Python, 200 hours with....

Heater, Perfect Pass, Ballast Tanks, Cd Stereo, remote, Wood Grain Dash option, Center Ski pylon "Removeable" Electric sun pad lift, Bimini top, cover and more..

I'm thinking I can pick this up for 28k... what do you guys think?

[WakeSlayer]

for $28k ? if that is good shape, go for it. I got my 99 last year in No. Cal, with 135 hours, for a bit more. Is this the one in NE ?