I was wondering if anyone know IF/WHEN Merc or VP will start using the newer 6.0L engine ?? I know that we talked about the 8.1L engine months ago, but wondering why makes like Indmar, Crusader, and PCM are using it, but Merc and VP aren't ??

22nd century!

I thought you would know more D-Rod than that !!!

I do like the 6.0 especially with the weight savings over the 8.1 and also the coil near plug ignition system and closed cooled exhaust manifolds.....

I wish I knew more. I've been out of the loop for a while now though. That part sucks.

But, FFM, I have to say, I about fell out of chair when I read your second paragraph. It wasn't too long ago that you have very little good to say about them. Just teasing you.

Anyone know more?

Well, I'm still partial to the 8.1 for a single engine application, but with twins, I feel it's a different animal.

I love the 6.2s in the 310BR and the only thing I would like about having the 8.1s is cruising at 3000 RPMs vs. 3500 with the 6.2 at the same MPH.

To me the ultimate engine would be a crusader type 6.0L x 2 with the Volvo drives and the new EVC/EC which gives you the electronic throttle/shift. I like the idea of having everything closed cooled even if I boat in fresh water.

Just think those 6.0L's would pump about 50 hp each MORE than your 6.2's are doing and would do so in a more efficient way. Lets see, that extra 100hp should get you a 3-4 mph faster WOT and probably a 2mph faster cruise?

I'd take the 6.0L in a single, properly geared/proped with a DP. I 100% agree though, EVC/EC is the future.

Why Volvo though when you own Merc? Something you don't like about the Merc DTS system?

I love the Merc. DTS system, but had VP in the two Cobalts and I feel that VP makes a better drive than the Merc B3 drive.

I would recommend the DTS to anyone. I love all the features along with the SmartCraft gauges...

Nice!

What about GM's new 6.2L LS3 marine engine... 420ish hp? Vroom, vrooommmmm.

Those are nice, but doubt that Merc and VP will market those...

Will be interesting to see what happens maybe in 2010 with some newer engines entering the field.

I do think that the 8.1 even when GM stops producing the blocks will be around for a few more years past 2010.

Maybe the 6.0 will make an entry around 2010-2011 ???

What do you think about the combination of cast iron block and aluminum heads in a marine engine ? Makes for closed cooling standard though which is a plus, especially in the exhaust manifolds !!

I like the all-aluminum LS3 design. No point in putting a hunk of heavy cast in the back of a weight-sensitive boat. I believe a LS2 6.0 all-aluminum version is offered. The cast-iron block is the LY6 engine.

I don't see the point in using cast heads other than "that's how it's been done in the past so why change". I don't buy the strength arguments.

I agree, you certainly get a lot more power with alum heads, but if you lose an impeller and overheat, the cast iron heads will most likely survive. I can't see alum heads not warping while being overheated under a load. I guess that's were good electronic nannies come in to shut things down before bad things happen.

Like anything it comes down to cost, all alum engine with closed cooling won't come cheap.

But be aware, Mercruiser currently has closed cooling standard on the 8.1s, but they don't include the exhaust manifolds at all. Wish they did, but they don't. So I wouldn't be surprised to see them not include the manifolds if/when they get around to using all aluminum or iron block/alloy headed engines.

Fully aware of what Merc and VP have. I do like the SeaCore 377 MAG because they do cool the exhaust manifold and elbow with the closed cooling, but like you said on the 8.1 they don't along with VP.

I just feel that Crusader takes the whole process to the highest level of protection for the engines. They even cool the manifolds on the 8.1.

Will have to see what happens in the coming years.

They include the riser in the closed cooling system of the Sea Core? How do they do that?

I'm sorry, Merc doesn't include the riser...

Crusader does also cool the elbow with the closed cooling.