Is there a Zetec marine implementation or any conversion kits available?

[centrinoblue]

I came across the Zetec engine while researching an engine transplant in my VW westy and it seems like an interesting engine with potential for use in smaller boats.

- there are zillions of them
- they're cheap
- durable
- available globally
- light-weight

Seems like a no-brainier but I can't find much of an established marine presence. Am I missing something?

My other project is converting a bass boat to jet drive and I have been looking into possible engines. (the boat weighs approx 1000 lbs. target HP range: 125 - 175 ). It currently has a 140hp outboard.

There doesn't seem to be many options in the mid range between traditional big blocks and PWC engines.

The latest generation of 4 stroke PWC jet drives seems like the best option but they are expensive and generally too tightly coupled with the jet pump/hull assembly. It's also difficult to find OEM crate versions of the PWC engines.

My guess is that the torque profile of the Zetec would be better than a pwc engine as well for a heavier boat.

Any insights appreciated.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Howdy,


Welcome aboard!


This thread might better served in "Non-Repair I/O and Inboards" Or "Other Brands of I/O & Inboard Engines & Outdrives" Etc........


Having said that, the problem (for stern drives, inboards and jet drives with enclosed engines) would be finding/fabricating a suitable jacketed exhaust system, marine ignition system, marine EFI or carb system, marine starter, alternator, flywheel housing, mounts, flywheel and coupler etc.

If you could buy that stuff off the shelf (economically) , then it might be a "good" idea

The problem is that most marine components are priced as they are due to mass production with current engines........

"One-off" or limited production parts are going to be prohibitively expensive. So while you might be able to buy the engines cheaply, since no one has done this on a large scale, the cost of the peripheral parts would FAR outstrip the cost of just getting an off-the-shelf engine and drive etc.

Since we're in an inboard and I/O forum, I'll speak to stern drives and inboards.

Those other engines are not designed to produce torque at "low" RPM (I.E. no more than 3500-4500 RPM) where the vast majority of stern drives and V-drives want to run (with 2:1 or higher ratios) This would be problematic for an engine that wants to turn at much higher RPM requiring transmission and/or drive gearing that doesn't exist.

Those engines also likely have cam profiles that would result in severe reversion making operation with a "wet" exhaust nearly impossible.

So other than just hooking one up to a jet pump, using an open engine compartment and dry-stacks, it just wouldn't be feasible.


Regards,



Rick

 

[centrinoblue]

ok, makes sense.

thank you.