Does Volvo use a GM 5.7L motor?

[hostage]

I was talking to my brother, who is a GM fanatic and knows vastly more about cars and motors than I do. I was showing him my father's new boat and I mentioned it had a Volvo in it. He told me that it is really a GM 5.7L engine. I know more about boats, but he knows more about cars and while most of my knowledge is more about sail, operation, and less about motors I am wondering if he is right.

Also if he is right, why would Volvo use someone else's engine?

Thanks,

Hostage

 

[TRONMAN2000]

Re: Does Volvo use a GM 5.7L motor?

Yes Volvo uses a variety of GM engines almost exclusively because they are the best blocks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Does Volvo use a GM 5.7L motor?

I am wondering if he is right.

Ayuh,... All the Marinizers have been using SBCs since Forever as the base V8 motors...
Volvo,...
Merc...
OMC...
Yamaha...
'n a host of others...

Volvo once used their own I4 motors, but now use All GMs for gas power, I believe...

 

[wifisher]

Re: Does Volvo use a GM 5.7L motor?

He is correct. Most inboard/outdrive motors are automotive blocks made into marine engines. Volvo makes the drive unit for it. That being said, you don't want to pull the motor from your pickup truck and throw it into a boat. The internals can be very different.

As to why volvo would use a GM engine? Economics. It is much cheaper to use an existing motor than it is to develop a new one. Boat motors are very low volume compared to the millions of cars on the road. Take a previously tested and proven motor and adapt it to your needs.

FWIW the volvo 4.3 outdrive is also a GM block. I believe they also use the 5.0(305) and 7.4(454) from GM

 

[hostage]

Re: Does Volvo use a GM 5.7L motor?

Cool thanks for the info, how are the volvo's out drives compared to the mercruisers? From what I heard the volvos are a little better, but because of the sheer number of mercruisers I hear they are easier to get someone to service as well as parts. I have a 4.3L Mercruiser carb and my old man has a 5.7L Volvo. I was surprised when I saw it had a cat converter 0_o

 

[JoLin]

Re: Does Volvo use a GM 5.7L motor?

Cool thanks for the info, how are the volvo's out drives compared to the mercruisers? From what I heard the volvos are a little better, but because of the sheer number of mercruisers I hear they are easier to get someone to service as well as parts.

Service and parts for Volvo's aren't typically a problem, but you are right to an extent. The sheer number of Mercs virtually guarantees that you can get 'em serviced anyplace that services marine drivetrains. Alphas are cheap to replace, too- SEI makes one with a 3-year guarantee for about $1500.

I've owned a V-P Duoprop (loved it!) and the SX's in my sig (no experience with them yet) and I do believe the Volvo's are better built, but not enough to start a shootin' match over

Either brand should do you nicely as long as it's hooked up to a GM block.

My .02

 

[wifisher]

Re: Does Volvo use a GM 5.7L motor?

I've never had a dual prop, but have heard that they reduce prop steer a lot. What are the opinions on this?

 

[HorizonblueDK]

Re: Does Volvo use a GM 5.7L motor?

Yes, Volvo has been using GM engines for a long time. In the 80's, they used their own 4 cyl engine from the cars, and GM V6 & V8. Before that(70's), they used straight 4 and straight 6 engines from the cars and GM V8.

But the most interesting thing, is that back in the 60's, Volvo Penta actually used, for a short time, their own V8 for marine, both for shaft and sterndrive. YES, Volvo has built their own V8. It is labeled "B36".

The B36 has been used in Volvo light trucks in the 60's.

Volvo has also used Ford V8 and Chrysler(I think) V6, for shorter periods.

Here are a few pictures of the B36 marine engine.

 

[Tahorover]

Re: Does Volvo use a GM 5.7L motor?

Yes Volvo uses a variety of GM engines almost exclusively because they are the best blocks!

It's more like economics. GM's Engine plant is in mexico and with there current metallurgy and casting protocol most will only last 1000 hrs in a marine environment.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Does Volvo use a GM 5.7L motor?

I've never had a dual prop, but have heard that they reduce prop steer a lot. What are the opinions on this?

A duo-prop vs. a single is like the difference between night and day. Zero prop steer. I felt like I could thread a needle in my 24' Chris*Craft with DP.