Different engine combos and power

Guys,

I'm getting very close on finishing my search for my own Nautique and one thing I've always had in the back of my mind is the different engines out there for the various years. Ever since I was about 10 years old, I've been in love with the 90-93 era Ski Nautiques and that is how I started out my search. However, I branched out and was very close to buying a 96 Signature Edition before someone swiped it out from underneath me.

I don't know what it is, but it has to be the lines of the 90-93 with the solid color down the side, the more sharp outlines of the windshield than the 94-96, especially the one piece front class with no frame bar in the center. Gorgeous.

BUT - I've noticed huge advancements in power as the years go up. I believe the 90-93's I've seen mostly have the 240 HP engine, and they go on up to like 310 with the GT-40 with the later years up to 96. My question is, how much do you really notice this difference when you're out boating? It's not like you're towing balls out WOT the whole day, so is it really that big of a deal? And besides, the more I think about it, the more I'm attracted to the simple mechanical fuel pump and carburetor. EFI and more electric components are just more expensive crap to go bad in my book.

Any thoughts?? I'm closing in on one 91, and one 92 as a backup.

Thanks everyone.

Skyway2k

The power will or will not be missed based on your use of the boat. What is your primary use for the boat going to be?

I vote GT-40. I think it was one of if not the best block built. I miss mine.

its a 351w
in the year range you are looking 90-93 you can get a boat with the proboss engine rated 285hp...generally speaking its a carbed gt40....
though i'm not sure which year it started as an option

No need to change the boat for more power. Plenty of upgrades to be done on the 351W to make more power.

There were no EFI options for 1990-1993. The TBI version of the 351w (both standard and HO) was available 94-95, the GT40 multiport EFI based on the HO 351w debuted in '95.

The Protec distributorless ignition was introduced in '91 and is known to be somewhat problematic, so be aware that most '91-93 boats (both standard and HO 351w's) will have that. Its about a $500 conversion to go back to a conventional distributor.

As far as the engines themselves go, there were basically 2 flavors- the 240/255hp "standard" version of the 351w, and the "High Output" ProBoss 351w, rated between 285-300hp, which was introduced in 1992. These hulls perform really well with the HO, and can run in the upper 40's (46-48mph) in stock form. Depending on how fast of a hull you have (I have a slow one- they all pop out of the mold slightly different), top speed with the standard motor will be in the low 40's (41-44, generally). The base motor is plenty sufficient for just about any use, save for high speed barefooting (multiple footers, one foots, etc).

Like 87bfn said, its not a hard or overly expensive job to upgrade the base 351w for more power. $1500 in proven parts will upgrade the top end of the motor and make it good for ~320hp, and outrun even the HO boats. I went just a tad beyond that with an exhaust and other upgrades, but now run a reliable 47mph on my slow hulled '90, and there arent many boats that will keep up with it out of the hole.

Like you, I grew up with a few 1990-1993 era boats (namely my dad's red/black '92) and absolutely love the look of the bold stripes, slanted back and pointed nose. I have a tough time picking a favorite CC, but Id have to say that this is the best looking.



I love the yellow/black- my uncle has a '90 in those colors. Post some pics once you pick it up!

skyway2k wrote: So does the GT-40 have a different block than the 351W? I thought it was just different top end?

Nope, same block. Different heads, easy swap. GT40P heads are even better than the GT40 heads that came on the boat.

My boat had 240 hp previously, and I put on GT40p heads, and an edelbrock performer intake. It feels like it has more power to me, but I have yet to do a top speed run yet, oratempt a heavy pull of several skiers since the swap.

I put on an acme CNC prop shortly after I got it,and even with 240 hp, it pulled very well. Better than newer nautiques and moombas with over 300 hp.

Wish I could say it's mine Kap ;)

so if i am having a rebuild done on my 351W I should not have them rebuild the heads and purchase GT-40P heads to go on it?

Depends on what you want your engine to do.Ask the rebuilder how much to redo yours. If you go with a quality job,new guides,new springs,maybe replace a few valves,surface them, you might be real close or more than the 598 for gt40p's

Tri state does
http://www.tristatecylinderhead.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=40&osCsid=fc3ca107a4bf0c9235575bbf216a7f47

GT40p's definitely give the boat a boost in power versus the stock 240 hp heads. I had good power with the acme prop with the stock motor, but it goes a lot better with the gt40ps and the different intake on it.

skicat2001 wrote: I am saving my money for a 390 Ford.. I hope I can find one when I am ready...

I think the exhaust manifolds are different enough that a 302 351w exhaust manifolds won't fit onto a FE. Those FE series motors are a very wide motor. Even if you could find a set of manifolds that will work for a boat, they likely would not fit under the motorbox without a lot of work to modify the box to make it wider.

You would be better off with a 460. Those have been marinized before. I don't think I have ever seen an FE that's been marinized.

fwiw, you can build up a 351 to a stroked beast if you want.

It would be easier and cheaper to build up the W than put in a different motor.

8122pbrainard wrote: horkn wrote: I don't think I have ever seen an FE that's been marinized. And you are the "self proclaimed" Ford expert!! Where were you in the 60's????? We even have CCfan members with FE engines!

DA is what I recall, besides isn't the exhaust on the FE the exact same as the 460.

79nautique wrote: 8122pbrainard wrote: horkn wrote: I don't think I have ever seen an FE that's been marinized. And you are the "self proclaimed" Ford expert!! Where were you in the 60's????? We even have CCfan members with FE engines! DA is what I recall, besides isn't the exhaust on the FE the exact same as the 460.

Chris,
I don't feel they use the same manifolds. The FE's were the 352,390 and the 427