I am lookin in to buying a 98 air Nat but it doesnt have the EFI GT-40. Just curious if anyone has the carb engine and how it performs vs. the EFI. All i wanna know is power wise is the a big diffence (this is the 290 hp) I can deal with a carb engine as long as its power is close to the EFI. <BR>Thanks for all the help

I have a '99 Air with the 290 carb. The boat we originally test drove was a sport(same boat) with a GT-40. When I ordered, I couldn't justify the 3K upgrade to the GT-40 at the time. I was a bit worried about the power thing until I actually got the boat. No worries for me in that area. Although I always love more power, I have yet to lack for power where it counts. Here are the key differences that I noticed: <BR> <BR>1.) Overall Torque and pulling power seemed about the same. <BR>2.) GT-40 was slightly more responsive to throttle adjustments <BR>3.) GT-40 starts first time every time, whereas the carb might take a couple of attempts when cold...to be expected with a carb. <BR>4.) GT-40 top end seemed to be about 3 mph faster. <BR> <BR>I spoke with the dealer at length about this before making the purchase, and was not disappointed. Having said that, I prefer to have EFI next time simply for ease of starting.

Better safe than sorry.....I would just get the EFI. It says you are in Michigan (flat) but altitude is something you might want to consider for performance with carbs? Also, the lower resell value associated with normally aspirated power plants. It will always be a little less with a carb and the engine is usually an important desision factor for future shoppers---hence, your thread. <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

The thing i look at is this boat is a little cheaper than the EFI, i agree resale might be a problem but i feel that there will always be some one out there that would love to save a buck and how is not intrested in full power. Also living in MI boats like this are far and few between (being this is my first boat and im still going to school i cant really afford new) but anywho comments are welcome and thanks <BR> <BR>Can never go to far lookin for info when it comes to buying a boat <BR> <BR>Ride Hard

Greg, <BR> I have a '98 Air w/GT-40 and all options. PerfectPass, tandem, CD, + much more. 550 hrs and am located in Milwaukee. I need $25,500 out of it. Let me know if you are interested.

Ryan im pretty sure that up until recently the efi engines did not compensate for altitude. I read an article bragging about it recently so i think an efi from that time frame would be in the same boat (so to speak) as a carb engine.

I have an '86 carbed 351 with 1200 hrs on it (240 horse) and never wished for more power. It also starts instantly every time, cold or hot. The nice thing about EFI, though, is they never need tinkering.

Bob, <BR>I would be interested in reading that article on why they think that electronically controlled fuel injection systems are not equipped to compensate for the proper fuel/air mixture? Especially, as it relates to the density altitude? I could be wrong, but I believe back in '94 our MC PS 190 had an LT1 "vette" that came with the computer. And there have been quite a few improvements since then..... Then again, there are multi ports and throttle bodies to debate as well? I guess I have come to the realization that through the right tuning, a good carb will treat you just as good as any EFI! JMO.

I have a carb on my Malibu tantrum. This boat has lots of power and I have been in lots of inboards and have owned others that cant touch this thing out of the gate. I bought this new, but I wish I would have got the fuel injection. I believe my boat is this strong because of the weight. The motor is 1999. Thank you insurance company..........