Engine upgrade options from Excalibur 330

[peteSki]

So I have a 2005 Sport Nautique 216, direct drive with the Excalibur 330. Overall super happy with this boat and I plan on keeping it for some time. I've put about 500 hours on it over 6 seasons so overall engine hours are just short of 700. I'm a multi sport user and one of the things I love is barefooting, and the boat lacks a little top end speed as I'm about 220lbs, so she tops out around 40-41mph with me on the boom. Enough for a fun barefoot but I need another 3-4mph for good one-foots. I'm considering replacing the engine with a bigger one at some point, like if I should need a rebuild or suffer some kind of major engine problem, so wanted to get some feedback from others who may have done this as to what I could safely upgrade to. Looking at the PCM website there are a number of engines there from the ZR4 to the ZZ8. Of these ones, what could be installed that would fit within the existing engine compartment and not be too powerful to break the driveshaft etc.

What have others done? Did you work directly with PCM or a local Nautique dealer about engine choice and installation? I'm in Ottawa Canada but a couple PCM dealers are listed on their site that are nearby. Appreciate any advice from someone who's been through something similar.

I've explored the option of a prop change but believe I'm already running the best one for top end and an ACME person also concurred a couple of years back.

[NautiqueJeff]

I would consider throwing in a 6L ZR 450. That'll fit for sure. Only issue is that you'll need to upgrade to ZeroOff because your PerfectPass system won't work with the newer engines.

[peteSki]

Ok, thanks for that info. What about all the gauges? Do they get engine related info the same way from the newer engine? I'm mostly likely looking at replacing all gauges this year to bypass the breakout box, and the posts about the kit from TRD looks like the way to go. So I'd have this ahead of doing an engine replacement.

[shag]

I would be cautious using the same transmission with a power upgrade - but maybe you could do the whole kit and caboodle..

[peteSki]

Looking at the PCM website all their engines there are shown including the transmission, so I assumed if I go new then it would be included. I'd certainly choose it to be included if it's an option. I've contacted PCM to start an initial discussion about it, I'm thinking they will likely refer me to my nearest Nautique dealer so I'm going to make contact there too and start asking some questions.