Help on Volvo or Mercrusier selection

[Tafflad]

I'm looking at what powerplant to specify in my next boat.
Currently Chaparral are the most serious consideration ... in 216/226 ssi range.
They offer both Volvo and Mercruiser options; I have had several Mercrusiers, (V6) but never a Volvo.

The options are 5.0 or 350 Mag Mercrusier or 5.0 or 5.7L Volvo.

I know there are those who always advocate bigger is best, but as with all things there is an optimum power combination.
Fuel consumption is a serious consideration ... with fuel currently being 1.35gbp per L in UK, that is equiv to $8.10 a US gal, and going up every month.

I know all 4 engines use the same base small block engine, but how does the fuel use compare between the options ?
For example between Merc 5.0 and 350 mag to get extra power are they simply squirting a lot more fuel in?


I will post a separate Q over Alpha/SX drive vs B3/duprop ... leave this thread just to engine choice.

The boat use will be inshore towed water sports (recreational only) ... so typical in use speed of 18 to 26 mph ... ... not really after all out speed, smooth acceleration, and good low end pop being more useful.

 

[Don S]

Re: Help on Volvo or Mercrusier selection

Engines are both Chevy V8 engines. I wouldn't consider either one if carbed, MPI is the only way to go.
The EFI system is GM, the change is in the ECM and Accessories.
Both ECM.s do the same thing. Personally, I like the Mercruiser Dry Joint exhaust manifolds better than the Volvos if you are going to be used in salt water. In fresh, it doesn't matter that much.
Between the fancy raw water pump you can't get to, and that sorry drain system setup Mercruiser uses, I wouldn't even consider a Mercruiser V8 for my boat for those reasons alone. Many times I have had to remove the engine to replace the impeller for lack of access.
Volvo has plugs to pull for draining, raw water pump on crankshaft and easy to get to.
The 5.7 would be over the 5.0 for fuel milage, for the simple fact that you wouldn't have to use as much throttle for the 5.7 to go the same speed as you would the 5.0

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Help on Volvo or Mercrusier selection

understand you are saying 5.7L is the choice ... not sure if you are saying Volvo or Mercruiser ? ... or are you saying either ?

 

[Don S]

Re: Help on Volvo or Mercrusier selection

I would go Volvo for sure, plumb in a NeutraSalt system if in salt water and go.

and like I said above:

Between the fancy raw water pump you can't get to, and that sorry drain system setup Mercruiser uses, I wouldn't even consider a Mercruiser V8 for my boat for those reasons alone.

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Help on Volvo or Mercrusier selection

Is this with a raw water cooling system, or with closed freshwater cooling ?

I trailer my boats and always flush with X-Salt after use.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: Help on Volvo or Mercrusier selection

Don't make the mistake of thinking a smaller engine will use less fuel. Your boat will take a certain amount of HP to move it's weight at a given speed. That amount of HP will take roughly the same amount of fuel regardless of the engine. Get the 5.7, no the 5.0. As for Mercruiser vs. Volvo. I've only had Mercruiser and haven't had major problems. I'd certainly try a Volvo if given an opportunity. If nothing else, I've been seeing Volvo power packages offered for less money.