220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

[absolutezero]

I'm looking at several new boats with Mercruiser engines and have noticed that many in the 18 - 20ft range have options for a 220hp 4.3 as well as a 200hp 5.0. Since the HP is the same, what are the differences? Weight, Fuel Economy, Torque?

 

[cr2k]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

2 cylinders. and about 60 pounds.

 

[SandyBoat]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

Yeah, this is something that has occurred to me before; why have the extra weight and complexity of a V8 if it only has the same amount of power as a V6? Mercruiser don?t seem to publish torque figures, but you would expect the V8 to produce more torque low down. The specs they do publish show pretty much exactly the same max RPMs for both engines, which suggests the torque values are similar, if they are producing the same HP.

The V6 (4.3 EFI) in my 19ft boat gives a top speed of 50mph, so I would have thought a V6 would be just fine in the size of boats you are looking at.

 

[mkast]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

Put six people in the boat, you'll see what the V8 will do over the V6.

 

[MikDee]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

Chances are the V6 is a 4bbl carb, and the V8 is a 2bbl carb (it would surpass the hp of the V6 with a 4bbl carb). In a heavier boat, say 20' or larger, I'd go for the V8, preferably the 5.0/260hp 4bbl motor

Before the V6 was as popular as today, the early 5.0V8's were the common powerplant used, and that was with pre-vortec heads,,, the 305 was only 198hp with a 2bbl carb, & 228hp with a 4bbl, the early pre-vortec V6 was 190hp 2bbl, & 205hp 4bbl

 

[absolutezero]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

Chances are the V6 is a 4bbl carb, and the V8 is a 2bbl carb (it would surpass the hp of the V6 with a 4bbl carb). In a heavier boat, say 20' or larger, I'd go for the V8, preferably the 5.0/260hp 4bbl motor

Before the V6 was as popular as today, the early 5.0V8's were the common powerplant used, and that was with pre-vortec heads,,, the 305 was only 198hp with a 2bbl carb, & 228hp with a 4bbl, the early pre-vortec V6 was 190hp 2bbl, & 205hp 4bbl

I believe the 4.3s that get 220 are fuel injected. Maybe that's why they are more expensive...

for instance if you look at the new sea ray 195 with a 220hp 5.0 and the 220 4.3, the 4.3 is an extra 1000 dollars over the 5.0. Seems strange that it would be more expensive.

 

[MikDee]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

I believe the 4.3s that get 220 are fuel injected. Maybe that's why they are more expensive...

for instance if you look at the new sea ray 195 with a 220hp 5.0 and the 220 4.3, the 4.3 is an extra 1000 dollars over the 5.0. Seems strange that it would be more expensive.

That maybe so, I'm guessing (without looking) the 5.0 with 220hp is a 2bbl carb, and I know they also make a 260hp version of this engine (prob. fuel injected as well) So, these engines are very similar, but the 5.0 has a smaller bore over 8 cylinders 3-3/4", as opposed to a 4" bore on the 4.3 with less cylinders,,, they both have the same crank stroke 3.48" but the V6 is at the top of it's power range at 220hp with the same type of heads, cam, carburetion, and the V8 is not at 220hp, the V6 can spin up faster because of 2 cylinders less friction, but in the long run the V8 would have more latent power, and I personally think the V8 would be more economical with it's inherently smoother design, & smaller bore.

I'm also speaking from experience I've had with both engines.

 

[gwidion]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

In the early 90's, there was also a change in how the Horse Power on a boat was measured. My '89 Mercruiser 5.0 LX (305 Chevy) was labeled 230HP in '89. The same engine was labeled 200HP in newer years. So if your comparing older boats and newer boats, be aware.

 

[Dave1251]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

The 4.3 MPI is fuel injected vs the 5.0 is carberated. The 4.3 will be much better on the gas and should have the same top speed, the 5.0 will be better out of the hole to planning speed. Fuel injected is always better for starting and long term maintainance.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

I grew up with my dad hot-rodding cars. We go to the track on a regular basis (I was just there Saturday). In that crowd of "racers" the 305 is known as the second biggest POS V8 that?s came from GM (the #1 spot is the Pontiac 307). With that said, I?m very impressed that in marine versions they can squeeze out that much HP out of it.
I do wonder what the torque curve looks like in that high output 305. Maybe .001999 pounds of torque at 4800 RPM? lol

 

[winner228]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

the 4.3 vtec with the 4bbl has 220 hp the 2 bbl has 190.

 

[MikDee]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

the 4.3 vtec with the 4bbl has 220 hp the 2 bbl has 190.

Not in 1986! I had twin 205hp 4bbl OMC Cobras in my 22'- 86' Celebrity Cuddy SS, and the 2bbl version back then was 190hp flywheel hp, not even prop hp.

And IVAZ, apparently the Vortec heads, and later model roller cams, has woke up the 305 V8, and the 4.3 V6. I had an 88' Monte SS with the HO 305, with some minor tweaks (pre-vortec) and it wasn't much of an engine, But, the 3:73 posi rear, & OD tranny really helped, and it was great on gas compared to the 350 V8, or the Astro van's with the 4.3 V6

 

[jkust]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

That would be a tough choice to make if I were in a buying situation. The V8 rumble versus the v6 technology. Ultimately I believe I would chose the technology and MPI throttle response in the 4.3. I am recalling that carbs are on their way out permanently in a couple of years as well by mandate. I hate having to warm up my carb 4.3 when I just want to get out of the way at the ramp.
I have two similar snowmobiles one carbed and one fuel injected. The fuel injection is simply better no matter how you look at it.

 

[mkast]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

I hate having to warm up my carb 4.3 when I just want to get out of the way at the ramp.

Warming the engine to operating temperature has nothing to do with whether or not the engine has a carburetor or injection.

 

[jkust]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

Warming the engine to operating temperature has nothing to do with whether or not the engine has a carburetor or injection.

I have to disagree with this only from personal experience. It may not be technically true but all my carbs take a warm up since new so as not to die when trying to move too soon and the efi's don't. I was under the impression the need not to warm up is part of the drivability improvement with EFI or MPI.

 

[mkast]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

Let's see, you have an aluminum piston next to a steel cylinder.
What are the expansion rates of these two metals.
The idea is to reach operating temperature before placing the engine under an excessive load so the cylinders don't get scored.
You might try a choke adjustment, or operator's technique.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

Not in 1986! I had twin 205hp 4bbl OMC Cobras in my 22'- 86' Celebrity Cuddy SS, and the 2bbl version back then was 190hp flywheel hp, not even prop hp.

And IVAZ, apparently the Vortec heads, and later model roller cams, has woke up the 305 V8, and the 4.3 V6. I had an 88' Monte SS with the HO 305, with some minor tweaks (pre-vortec) and it wasn't much of an engine, But, the 3:73 posi rear, & OD tranny really helped, and it was great on gas compared to the 350 V8, or the Astro van's with the 4.3 V6

I would say you're right on the money with that assumption. The old style heads on the 305's were very restrictive.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

I have to disagree with this only from personal experience. It may not be technically true but all my carbs take a warm up since new so as not to die when trying to move too soon and the efi's don't. I was under the impression the need not to warm up is part of the drivability improvement with EFI or MPI.

Any engine will live a longer happier life if it gets warmed up. EFI engines may not seem like they need it but it will last longer if you do warm them up first. I turn my truck on and let it idle for about 20 seconds and then take it easy until it?s properly warmed up. I don?t sit in one spot warming it up because it?s "supposedly" bad for the environment and EFI won?t die like a carb engine.

 

[180shabah]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

2 cylinders. and about 60 pounds.

Actualy the weight difference is 100lbs

the 4.3 vtec with the 4bbl has 220 hp the 2 bbl has 190.

4.3 - 4bbl - vortec is only good for about 210hp with a factory intake.

An Edelbrock will help you make up the difference.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: 220 hp 4.3 vs. 220hp 5.0 - difference?

For myself i have always thought of it like this..A hull that will handle 200hp..Now does a mfg put in hi-tech v6 or a plain jane v-8..Id be willing to bet the cost is nearly the same.

If you like to Tinker with things the v-8 will win the day in terms of tinkard hp and sound much nicer. If your going to just turn the key and enjoy the boat..Toss of the dice there...