Thoughts on New Gen Direct Injected VP 5.3L v8 350HP?

[Bootkie2]

Looking at the new gen direct injected VP 5.3L v8 350hp. For some reason it’s nearly impossible to find detailed test data online for this motor.

Does anyone on here run this engine and can provide their thoughts? Even better if you can tell me what you have found your optimal cruise and top end to be in terms of avg RPM, GPS Speed, and GPH in each scenario.

 

[bigblocksarefun]

If it's an actual LT based DI engine I'm already leery of it. Dunno if they've worked the bugs out but I watched my neighbor not get to drive has later model truck with one of those engines because it was constantly at the dealer. Was a brand new truck.

 

[Lou C]

With any of these modern high tech engines you really need a good & skilled dealer because without diagnostic tools & training they are very tough to fix yourself. One reason why I still have my old boat with a points distributor and a 4bbl Quadrajet

 

[Lou C]

Also:
DI is being pushed because it's more "efficient"
what it also does, is dirty up intake valves then the engine doesn't run right
so you get to have to have them cleaned something I never ever had to do with port injection, or a carb.
What solution has been tried by some automakers?
Add port injection to help clean the mess made by DI
which to me is just plain STUPID! now you have 2 fuel injection systems to do the work of one
this is what you get when non-engineers, unelected bureaucrats, get too much unchecked power.
no thanks, I'll keep simple 60 year old technology for a boat that I use maybe 4 months out of the year! At least, it can easily be made to WORK.
what can always be made to work (carbs, points and old school electronic ignition) trumps more efficient but potentially less reliable modern tech.

 

[dubs283]

Have dealt with the GM gdi motors for a few years now and I've seen very little failures in that time

They seem to run well and with proper maintenance perform quite well. By far the most issues I've seen is accessories, pumps, alts, starters, etc...What you'd expect with any marine engine

Volvo, ilmore and maybe pcm are using them as base engines with pretty good results

Mercruiser makes their own inboard engines now so no longer connected with GM. Their base engines still are all valve intake fuel/air induction of naturally aspirated design

 

[Scott Danforth]

The LT motors have been used by Volvo since 2014. They are not new. The 6.2 puts out 430hp

 

[matt167]

In the trucks, the DI system is not the problem. What is a problem is the lifters spinning and eating the cams. It’s repairable but 9 times out of ten they replace the engine. Once the cam bearings need replaced its engine time.

That said, they run very good.

 

[BRICH1260]

If you are talking about the new VP Gen V motors, I think they have proven to be a reliable powerplant. As with anything a lot of your future with it depends on how it was previously ran and maintained.

 

[Bootkie2]

Thanks everyone. Very much appreciated. I have been weary of the DI for the same reasons, but looking at new or dealer maintained/still under warranty rigs so we'll see how it goes.

 

[mvn]

After having boats with several powerplants (4.3L Volvo carb, 5.0L Merc MPI) I now have a 2019 boat with a Volvo V6-280 DI. Absolutely the best engine I've ever had. No issues whatsoever (except 1 bad plug at 20 hours). Excellent power, good fuel economy, quiet, vibration-free, easy to maintain. I also invested in a Rinda scan tool to keep an eye on things.

 

[muc]

Like just about anything else, The first couple of years have a few more problems and then they get the bugs worked out.

This Generation of engine has worked out well. Mid range power seems exceptional and low and high range is great.

Like @dubs283 mentioned, maintenance will pay dividends. And DI requires the right oil, gone are the days of using anything off the shelf.