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I think it is the LSA supercharger, which is in the ZR1 Corvette, LZ1 Camaro and Cadillac CTS-V. From one article on boating world. "The supercharger is an Eaton Twin Vortices Series intercooled model that produces 9.0 psi of boost.
The base engine is a 6.2L all aluminum similar to LS3 or L92 and other GenIV / Gen V small block GM engines.
Is it true that this makes the boat "Premium Fuel Only?"
-Charles
I would tend to say so. Then again, all of these engines have knock sensors and won't self destruct if run on lower octane, but they will cut power if the octane rating isn't sufficient.
Then again, are there really new G-series boat buyers who can afford $100k+ boats, but are going to sweat $.30 / gallon delta between premium and base 87 octane?
All of the high performance Gen IV and Gen V small blocks (including those not supercharged like LS3 and the truck derivatives like L92) call for premium fuel (91+ octane). These are the ones with 10+ to 1 compression ratios. I installed L92 (truck version of LS3) in my '51 Ford hotrod truck I built. I run premium per GM recommendations in that. This is 405 horse / 420 ftlb engine package and based on 6.2L, all-aluminum LS3 engine, but with variable valve timing.
Yea, I suppose it wouldn't really matter if you can spend that much on a boat, but for where I am it would be a dealbreaker. There just isn't any premium fuel on the lake. The best I can find is mid-grade.
So then I'd be stuck with hauling a bunch of 5-gallon cans down to the dock all the time. It's such a PITA....
You can also bring race fuel (105 or 115 octane) in a fuel cell or tank and a simple transfer pump. You could then blend your own 93 on the lake. Also, with knock sensors and engine control the engine will retard timing to protect if it senses knocks. You won't hurt anything.
You just lose a bit of power and efficiency under WOT. It wont affect cruise. (Less than 75% throttle)
You can also bring race fuel (105 or 115 octane) in a fuel cell or tank and a simple transfer pump. You could then blend your own 93 on the lake. Also, with knock sensors and engine control the engine will retard timing to protect if it senses knocks. You won't hurt anything.
You just lose a bit of power and efficiency under WOT. It wont affect cruise. (Less than 75% throttle)
So making it even MORE inconvenient to get the boat out on the water. Gang, this isn't about trying to keep the engine happy. It's about getting out on the water and having a great time with your friends and family. Nobody wants to be standing there farting around with mixing fuel when there are 6 people on the dock waiting to go surf. I just don't see this working out unless you have very convenient access to premium fuel.
Hey Charles, I am just trying to help.
Call nautique and ask your situation. Also, check out a company called Snow Performance. You can inject alcohol to affective increase your octane rating. A system could be installed to mitigate your need for higher octane fuel. The fluid is essentially windshield cleaner, so it is readily available.
Honestly, nobody probably wants to stop and gas up either, load the boat with cold drinks or beer, or make sure the boat is clean or properly maintained. You got to pay to play sometimes.
I understand and I'm not trying to refute you. I'm just trying to make sure everyone understands that it's not like pulling your car up to the pump and making a choice of three. In many places, premium fuel just isn't available on the water. Gas on the water is already expensive enough so few people would be willing to pay even more so it's unlikely the marinas will make it available.
Anyone who's considering this engine really needs to take that into account. It's not just the extra $.30/gallon.
Check out snow performance or better call them. I bet they can steer you towards a system that makes premium fuel availability a non-issue.
The systems aren't terribly complicated (and therefore don't cost a lot of money). Installation by a solid mechanic won't cost a lot, either.
I'm guessing less than $2500.
It wouldn't shock me if Nautique could install one of the systems on a brand new boat and maintain the warranty.
I have a 550....87 octane fuel is crazy expensive on my lake so I wouldn't be buying at the marina even if the engine took it. I have dock with a wide walkway, a golf cart, a dozen 6 gallon gas cans, and two boys that are 15 and 13 years old.
Those boys and their friends have no problem filling up the boat with premium....if they are being nice they get to use the golf cart.
I have the 550 in my 2016 G23. I'm in Utah and the highest octane generally available (minus race fuel) is 91 octane. I run 91 the majority of the time, however, there are times where I can only get 87...so I carry Octane Booster in the boat for those times. I have approximately 30 hours of time on 87 octane gas with octane boost and have experienced no issues. I can't tell a difference power-wise, nor in any other way. That said, I'm not going WoT and use the boat primarily for 75% surfing and the remainder wakeboarding....and yes...slalom skiing. I called PCM and was told to go ahead with octane boost. Again, not the longest use case, but absolutely no problems.
I have a houseboat and can only get 87 octane on the water...and when the nearest marina is a three hour round trip boat ride away when we're gone for a week...87 octane is the only option. Carrying 600 gallons of fuel by hand is not an option.
I have done a shocking amount of research on octane boosters. Most are snake oil but there are a few that at least the internet says they work. I have chosen royal purple to be on board if I can't find premium on the lake. I purchased several cases so the price was about 6.50 a bottle. Each bottle is good for 30 gallons.
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