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The
Power To Pull (22-3)
By Steve Fennell
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Torque. Speed. Performance. Showcased are a series of
inboard heavy-hitters that pack the three main ingredients
for the ultimate ride.
MerCruiser MX 6.2 L Black
Scorpion
 With
a huge corner in the outboard, sterndrive and high performance
engine segments of the marine industry, leave it to
Mercury to also offer a series of raging powerhouses
for the towboat market. One of these engines is the
MX 6.2L Black Scorpion and, like the rest of the Big
Black family, it provides the utmost performance where
it's needed the most. The MX 6.2 has a strong backbone
thanks its cast-iron GM V8 block and riders should be
aware that this Scorpion has a big bite thanks to its
proven Tunnel Ram technology, 90 millimeter throttle
body, and custom hot spark calibration, which all combine
to provide on-demand pulling force. The engine also
boasts a series of hydraulic transmissions, allowing
boat manufacturers to precisely match hull characteristics
and boat weight to optimize performance, while a low-restricted
anodized flame arrestor delivers even more power and
torque. What's more is its HVS ignition boasts knock
control to maximize power and protects the engine against
low-quality fuels. And speaking of fuel, users will
be glad to know the Scorpion utilizes Merc's popular
ECM 555 fuel and ignition system that's mated to platinum-tipped
spark plugs to further ensure reliable starts and performance
season after season. Its dry-joint exhaust eliminates
the chance of water to enter the engine through leaky
gaskets and the water separating fuel filter aids the
fuel system and engine against damage. Another bonus
for water sports is its high alternator output to keep
the engine, electronics, stereos and other onboard amenities
running healthy and strong. Rounding out the Scorpion
is a three-year (or 300-hour) maintenance interval on
many periodic service items plus an optional remote
oil filter and oil drain hose, designed to provide easy
and quick oil changes.
Specifications
Power: 340 hp
Full Throttle Range: 4,800 rpm-5,200 rpm
Displacement: 6.2 L
Engine Type: V8
Bore & Stroke: 5" x 3.75"
Weight: 821 lbs. (w/Velvet Drive)
Dimensions: 42"x 34"x 21"
Ignition System: Crank-fired high-voltage switch w/knock
control and platinum plugs.
For more information about Mercury and its series of
engines visit www.mercurymarine.com
or www.black-scorpion.com
PCM Excalibur 5.7 L
Considered the flagship of the PCM line, the 5.7 L MPI
Excalibur can crank out an impressive 330 horses (at
5,000 rpm) and when mated to its tried-and-true 1.23:1
Power Plus transmission, it can deliver more than 430
foot-pounds of torque, providing optimum pulling power
no matter the activity on the rope. One of the key benefits
on the Excalibur is its mounting system, which uses
what the company calls Adjust-A-Flex mounts. Designed
to offer optimum adjustability, these mounts sport a
larger design to ensure the utmost durability and a
perfect shaft alignment. They are constructed of non-corrosive
metals, making them easy to adjust and sport large rubber
isolators (at the top and bottom) to isolate the utmost
vibration. The engine is also mounted in a unique, positive
mounting angle that allows the engine to sit close to
level at full-throttle runs, eliminating oil starvation,
while improving efficiency and durability. Some other
benefits of the Excalibur include an electronic fuel
injection system that utilizes the company's Fuel Control
Cell (FCC) - a conveniently mounted canister-design
that works in conjunction with a two-pump system and
fuel reservoir to ensure optimum fuel delivery at all
times. It also uses a Raycor Aqua Bloc 10-micron fuel
filter that effectively eliminates the possibility of
fuel starvation and filters out contaminate fuel particles
and water. When it comes to power, the Excalibur features
a unique G-Rotor hydraulic pump to provide smooth, efficient
shifting, and there's no need to worry about stripping
or damaging gears since the transmission is constructed
of aircraft aluminum. The gears are also AGMA Grade
11, the same type used in helicopter gearboxes. Its
compact design means easier installation in smaller
engine compartments as well as more space below decks
for gear or ballast.
Specifications
Power: 330 hp (5,000 rpm)
Full Throttle Range: 4,800 rpm - 5,200 rpm (5,000 rpm
preferred)
Displacement: 5.7 L
Engine Type: V8
Bore & Stroke: 4" x 3.48"
Weight: 950 lbs.
Dimensions: 41.6"x 28.1"x 28.6"
Ignition System: Electronic
For more information about PCM engines and its power
line visit www.pcmengines.com
Indmar 6.0L
 Indmar,
the world's largest private manufacturer of gasoline
inboard marine engines, offers the Indmar 6.0 L engine
for the 2007 model year. But this isn't the company
biggest claim to date. They have earned the acclaimed
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) award in
2006 for developing the first production catalytic converter
for inboard marine engines, ETX/CAT (Extreme Tuned Exhaust
with Catalyst). This catalyst system is a first for
production gasoline inboard engines and significantly
reduces exhaust emissions to less than five grams of
combined hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
as required by California Air Resources Board (CARB).
In fact, ETX/CAT/-equipped Indmar engines will also
be the first marine engines to earn CARB's top rating
of Four Star Super-Ultra-Low Emissions. When it comes
to pulling prowess, the 6.0 L delivers the power and
hefty torque in a small, lightweight package and is
based on the new Gen IV Vortec 6000 truck engine. Another
highlight is its ECM (Electronic Control Module) MEFI-5
hardware/software system, which is custom calibrated
to provide maximum performance and drive ability. It
can be custom calibrated to match hull design requirements,
which means the boat and engine perform as one seamless
unit, says the company. Additionally, the system precisely
manages fuel, ignition and air and is also programmed
to deliver classic turnkey starts, unhesitating dependability
and optimum fuel efficiency.
Specifications
Power: 400 hp
Full Throttle Range: 5,200 rpm - 5,600 rpm
Displacement: 6.0 L
Engine Type: V8
Bore And Stroke: 3.89" x 3.62"
Weight: na
Dimensions: na
Ignition System: na
For more information about Indmar Marine Engines and
its power line visit www.indmar.com
Vortec 6000 V8 VVT LY6
 No
stranger to the tournament tow boating scene is Vortec
Engines with its vast series of marine arsenal that
includes the popular Vortec 6000 V8 LY6. The muscle
of this towing king is provided by a strong and mighty
cast iron cylinder block featuring six main bearing
caps that not only limit crankshaft flex, but stiffen
the engine's overall structure. While more rigidity
is provided by a cast aluminum oil pan, steel camshafts
and roller rocker arms, plus hydraulic roller lifters
(that also offer reduced friction), users will be happy
to know its high flow aluminum cylinder head design
was inspired by the LS6 Corvette engine. In addition
to strength, the six-litre V8 LY6 will also please underway
as it offers 385 horses, 400 pounds feet of torque and
features an Electronic Throttle Body that's fully compatible
with electronic throttle control software in the featured
MEFI-5 engine control module (ECM). Another bonus is
its variable valve timing system utilizes a hydraulic
cam phaser to retard cam timing for low end torque and
advance cam timing for high rpm horsepower. Its coil-near-plug
ignition system sports a 58X crankshaft position encoder,
4X cam sensor, and dual flat response knock sensors
to provide precise control of ignition timing under
all operating conditions. Additionally, the Iridium
tip long-life spark plugs feature improved self-cleaning
properties to decrease the potential for plug fouling,
thus ensuring optimum reliability at all times.
Some options to consider include the Vortec 6000 sight
shield and the GM-designed accessory drive components.
Both options are offered in kit form.
Specifications
Power: 385 hp
Max. Power: 385 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Displacement: 6.0 L
Engine Type: V8
Bore And Stroke: 101.6 mm x 92 mm
Weight: 539 lbs.
Dimensions: na
Ignition System: Distributorless. Coil-by-plug system,
25K each cylinder
For more information about Vortec Engines visit www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/engines/vortec
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