Mercruiser 6.2L Versus VP 6.2L

[Tuscany]

Hello All -

New member here. In the process of purchasing a new (but 2017) R7 with the 430 VP. This thread has gotten me a bit shaken up, sadly. I was under the false impression that all 17's had the new 6.2 with VVT, etc.

However, I do believe the boat I have a deposit on is an early 2017 and likely a 6.0. Obviously the sales terms (price) drives some of this and I'm happy to share that privately. But, if you're put in my position, what would your inclination be? Stick with the '17? Or is the newer tech (and build wait) worth it? It's a well equipped boat for being a dealer stock. The deal is decent but not overwhelmingly, IMO. Thoughts?

This is the difference, and it's quite substantial.

Per VP-
"The new V8 380 has 24 percent quicker acceleration and is 11 percent more fuel efficient than the engine it replaces in the Volvo Penta line. The new V8 430 – the most powerful model in Volvo Penta’s marine gasoline engine lineup – delivers 14 percent faster acceleration and provides 10 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor."

If you plan on a long ownership, you may want to get exactly what you want, along with the latest technology.
For me, I ordered the 6.0l before knowing there would be a new engine redesign coming. Once I found out, I called the factory personally to delay my build if the 6.2l wasn't scheduled for my boat. Luckily, the changeover was happening that week. She guaranteed me the 6.2l. I would have waited an extra month + if need be. After all, the R7 is a big and heavy boat with one engine.

24% quicker acceleration is a Load of improvement. You are paying a 10k performance premium for the 6.0l 430 that comes for free on the quicker 6.2l 380, minus a little top end.

Most importantly, it comes down to delivery options. Do you want to wait and worst scenario, lose the summer? Can you find another boat and have your dealer trade for it? Best scenario, does your dealer have a build slot allotted and available for this summer?
If so, jump all over that one.
Personally, I would try to work a deal to get the new engine.

[Ytmsn]

Welcome from Oklahoma tbully. I have no clue which way you should go. I know I'd want the new motor, but if you are buying a leftover 17 you may lose the summer waiting on a build as Tusc said, unless you have a build slot.

And as A7 suggested, go into new members and introduce yourself. When you have questions it'll be easier to go back and find your answers!

Also if you don't purposefully muck-up or derail a thread you'll need to work on those skills some. We're bad ab LOOK! a SQUIRREL!!

[AsLan7]

[Cycleman6]

Just emailed my dealer, modified to VP 6.2L 380 HP. Killed the Merc 6.2L. Hope this was the right decision!

[AsLan7]

Just emailed my dealer, modified to VP 6.2L 380 HP. Killed the Merc 6.2L. Hope this was the right decision!

Great to hear CM6!
You won’t regret that decision.

Glad we could be of some help

... and all that we request in return are some pictures

[Ytmsn]

Cycledude it was absolutely the right decision! Good for you!

[NautiGirl]

Just emailed my dealer, modified to VP 6.2L 380 HP. Killed the Merc 6.2L. Hope this was the right decision!

Damn you keep making your (our) boat better and better...good work!

[Tuscany]

Just emailed my dealer, modified to VP 6.2L 380 HP. Killed the Merc 6.2L. Hope this was the right decision!

Great to hear CM6!
You won’t regret that decision.

Glad we could be of some help

... and all that we request in return are some pictures

Good for you.
I tried to tip toe around the subject on your order thread. Such a nice boat on order with such an outdated power plant. I couldn't find a nice way of saying "are you freakin' nuts?".
Now we're talking boat there brother!
The difference you just spent in the power upgrade will be easier to resell, and the money will be coming back in spades at resale time. Oh, yeah, that the 5 you are buying will now flat out fly...

[Cycleman6]

[/quote]

Good for you.
I tried to tip toe around the subject on your order thread. Such a nice boat on order with such an outdated power plant. I couldn't find a nice way of saying "are you freakin' nuts?".
Now we're talking boat there brother!
The difference you just spent in the power upgrade will be easier to resell, and the money will be coming back in spades at resale time. Oh, yeah, that the 5 you are buying will now flat out fly...
[/quote]

Thanks Tuscany. I read alot of your posts, even the ones over on hulltruth. Resale is really important to me, as I tend to replace my vehicles/toys often. So if this gets my higher resale...I'm all IN!

[Joe]

Hello All -

New member here. In the process of purchasing a new (but 2017) R7 with the 430 VP. This thread has gotten me a bit shaken up, sadly. I was under the false impression that all 17's had the new 6.2 with VVT, etc.

However, I do believe the boat I have a deposit on is an early 2017 and likely a 6.0. Obviously the sales terms (price) drives some of this and I'm happy to share that privately. But, if you're put in my position, what would your inclination be? Stick with the '17? Or is the newer tech (and build wait) worth it? It's a well equipped boat for being a dealer stock. The deal is decent but not overwhelmingly, IMO. Thoughts?

This is the difference, and it's quite substantial.

Per VP-
"The new V8 380 has 24 percent quicker acceleration and is 11 percent more fuel efficient than the engine it replaces in the Volvo Penta line. The new V8 430 – the most powerful model in Volvo Penta’s marine gasoline engine lineup – delivers 14 percent faster acceleration and provides 10 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor."

If you plan on a long ownership, you may want to get exactly what you want, along with the latest technology.
For me, I ordered the 6.0l before knowing there would be a new engine redesign coming. Once I found out, I called the factory personally to delay my build if the 6.2l wasn't scheduled for my boat. Luckily, the changeover was happening that week. She guaranteed me the 6.2l. I would have waited an extra month + if need be. After all, the R7 is a big and heavy boat with one engine.

24% quicker acceleration is a Load of improvement. You are paying a 10k performance premium for the 6.0l 430 that comes for free on the quicker 6.2l 380, minus a little top end.

Most importantly, it comes down to delivery options. Do you want to wait and worst scenario, lose the summer? Can you find another boat and have your dealer trade for it? Best scenario, does your dealer have a build slot allotted and available for this summer?
If so, jump all over that one.
Personally, I would try to work a deal to get the new engine.

If I am not mistaken, the acceleration and fuel efficiency improvements referenced are the same for both the 6.0 and 6.2 when compared to the 8.1Gx1 that these new blocks replace; not that the 6.2 is that much better than the 6.0. I could be wrong and if I am please tell me, but I would love for someone to clarify.

[Joe]

https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/volvo-penta-60-liter

[sailor55330]

This is a great thread. While I don't have a big bad R7 with the 380 or 430, I do have an R3 with the 5.3 and the "underpowered 300hp) I can tell you that if I punch it at 15-20, if you're standing, you better be holding on to something.

Volvo has it figured out and won't regret it.

[AsLan7]

https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/volvo-penta-60-liter

This to me is the interesting part of the article Joe (since we beat the VP 6.2 marinization topic to death)...

.

Couldn’t somebody hack the electronic control module and copy a 380 map to a 350 and score a little extra horsepower? It’s done every day in the car and truck market.

“It could be done, I’d say, but the market volume isn’t there to attract the development of aftermarket programs,” Huddleston said.

And then there’s that warranty question if you mess with Mother Nature.

Or better yet, couldn't someone just copy the 430 HP ECU program and map it to a 380 HP engine since they are identical internally in every way. Now you just saved yourself an $8-10k expense for the 430 horse engine. Yes, the warranty is voided if you do that....but you can certainly buy an add on warranty for a lot less than -- $8,000!

.

[Tuscany]

VP carefully refers the to last generation 6.0L with the term "the engine it replaces". This way, they can directly compare the 6.2L upgrade (indirectly) without directly slamming the prior 6.0L. Something like that..
So the 6.2L 380 has 24% more acceleration and 11% more fuel economy over the (6.0L 380) engine it replaces.

[tbully]

Thanks again, all.

I spoke with my salesman. He is "supportive" of me waiting for the 6.2. They do have buildslots for later this summer (2019) which means I'll miss a good part of our (short) summer here in MI. But, I know myself. Waiting is probably better.

With that said, the deal on the 17 was pretty darn good compared to what I just priced out on the website! I'll have to consider if the 430 (vs. 380), Captain's Choice, and the tower are worth it. That's what's quickly driving up the costs.

I'll introduce myself officially in the other thread in time. But it looks like I'll be waiting a few months.

Oh look! Another squirrel! BRB!