Malibu Engine - what size

jfair 07-12-2006, 7:35 PM

Im looking at 2 different Malibu Wakesetter LSV's and one has the 383 and the other the 401. Is one engine that much better than the other and therefore should influence my decision on what boat i should get?

(oaf) · (oaf) **Join Date: Jul 2002** 07-12-2006, 8:23 PM

The 383 Hammerhead will be more than enough engine for that boat. The 496 big block will kill any fuel savings and you will not see much of a performace difference.

(madchild1) · (madchild1) **Join Date: Mar 2005** 07-12-2006, 9:34 PM

coach,

the 05 and newer 496 has 450hp and 525lbs of tq whereas the 383 has 400hp and 425lbs. i think the power difference is quite noticable. all 23' boats guzzle gas so bigger is better in my estimation.

(oaf) · (oaf) **Join Date: Jul 2002** 07-12-2006, 9:48 PM

I small block (stroked or not) will be better on gas than a big block. I realize that the 496 has more HP and TQ but for what you get in overall performance it would be minimal for the dollars spent. My guess you will pick up 2 mph overall. Looking at the numbers on waterskimag.com the 8.1 picked up 1.7 mph over the 383. I am sure the 8.1 will run you $3000+ more. If you have $1500+ to burn on mph go for it. I realize you might want the power if you are hauling your crew around, but once again the difference will be minimal. You don't need that much more TQ, unless you plan on tearing off someones arms (kidding). If altitude is a factor then the 8.1 is the way to go. The boat size has much to do with gas consumtion, but more engine = more gas. As always this is just my opinion.

redfox 07-12-2006, 10:36 PM

I have an '06 WS LSV with the 383 (400hp). IMO It is plenty of power for the boat. My dealer told me over and over again the standard Monsoon is enough but I never wanted to regret the engine choice. I am pretty sure the big block 8.1 would suck a lot more gas so I went with the 383. I can't imagine needing more power, and with gas prices over $4/gal at the marinas, I am happy I didn't get the 8.1.

jfair 07-12-2006, 10:52 PM

Does the 383 require Premium

(rmack) · (rmack) **Join Date: Jul 2005** 07-13-2006, 5:25 AM

383 is plenty. I was riding with Gerry Nunn year when he came to michigan. He had a 23lsv loaded with weight and people, No Problem getting on plane with the 383.

(yosquire) · (yosquire) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 07-13-2006, 8:05 AM

G Dean,
Good choice going to the 383. I have a Monsoon 340 in my 21' VLX, and loaded down it's not quite enough. Perhaps I need to play with the prop.

(eubanks01) · (eubanks01) **Join Date: Jun 2001** 07-13-2006, 8:20 AM

Craig - Check out the Acme 14.25 x 14. It will make your boat a new boat. Call Acme and talk with them about it.

ilovetrains 07-13-2006, 8:22 AM

Jesse - I test drove the LSV with both the 340 hp Monsoon and the 400 hp Hammerhead. I bought the Hammerhead. I alwasy subscribe to the theory that more is better, but in driving them the difference was so noticeable that I wanted the HH.

With that said, I did not want the 8.1. Although on a new boat the difference was nto much more than the HH, maybe another 1500, but I knew I did not need it. The 8.1 is more engine that necessary for these. It would change the riding dynamic of the boat by placing more weight in the rear. Great for boarding, but bad for trailering and generally riding around.

BTW - the HH uses 89 octane, so not premium, but not regular either. Since there is no 89 on the lake (for that matter, they don't sell 87 on mine) then it runs on premium.