Volvo power or Mercruiser power on R8

[Rickala]

Looking to buy a pre-owned R8. I currently own a Cobalt 262 big block. Given the choice would you prefer the 8.2 Mercury 380 HP, or the 380 or 430 HO Volvo Penta 6.2??

And why.

Thank you.

[Rickala]

Nobody?

[Big Block Power]

8.2 430
Just because it's not a option here

[dustinm]

Well we went from a VP BB to a VP 300hp 5.3 ... I miss the low cruise RPM of the big block.

I really like VP over Mercuiser but if I bought a boat big enough to have a choice between a Big Block and Small Block I would always choose Big Block

[FirstStar]

The VP quick drain system is handy - not sure if the new Mercs have it or not. I have had a couple issues with the VP 380 but overall seems like a solid engine with lots of power.

[CobaltDeadHead]

Most of the performance numbers favor VP by a considerable margin. Seems most prop charts show quicker planing times by quite a bit as well as better fuel economy. Slightly higher top end speeds too.

The complaints I hear about VP are the higher maintenance costs and a dislike for the higher RPM cruise.

[stifflkd]

In general the VP is lighter and louder. Lighter because aluminum block and smaller displacement. Louder because of higher RPM and Merc's air intake directed at the transom. I boat in salt water so closed cooling is a must. Standard on VP but a $4.6K option on Merc. VP has variable valve timing (not sure with Merc). VVT spreads out the torque curve. Pretty impressive. Great acceleration across the entire RPM range. Merc incorporates Port Fuel Injection while VP offers Direct Fuel Injection. You can google the differences, both have pluses and minuses. Part availability is more limited with VP while everyone seams to offer Merc. Both can run on 87 octane.

[AsLan7]

Looking to buy a pre-owned R8. I currently own a Cobalt 262 big block. Given the choice would you prefer the 8.2 Mercury 380 HP, or the 380 or 430 HO Volvo Penta 6.2??

And why.

Thank you.

In general the VP is lighter and louder. Lighter because aluminum block and smaller displacement. Louder because of higher RPM and Merc's air intake directed at the transom. I boat in salt water so closed cooling is a must. Standard on VP but a $4.6K option on Merc. VP has variable valve timing (not sure with Merc). VVT spreads out the torque curve. Pretty impressive. Great acceleration across the entire RPM range. Merc incorporates Port Fuel Injection while VP offers Direct Fuel Injection. You can google the differences, both have pluses and minuses. Part availability is more limited with VP while everyone seams to offer Merc. Both can run on 87 octane.

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great summary stifflkd.

I personally like the sound and lower rpms of the 430 HP Merc so that would be my first choice followed by the 430 VP which has better technology followed by the Merc 380's.

Any pics of your 262 Rickala?

And welcome aboard mate!

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[Rickala]

I have many pictures but not sure how to post.

[AsLan7]

I have many pictures but not sure how to post.

.
click the "full editor & preview" radio button.
click the "attachments" tab.
click "add file"
click "submit"

[Rickala]

Here are several.

[AsLan7]

Here are several.

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Love that model! Yours looks so similar to the 262 we owned.

Thanks for posting Rickala

[Tuscany]

The VP is much more technologically advanced in so many ways. Such the hands down smart choice.
Lighter, more fuel efficient and closed cooled.

That said, if I had a re-do, I would ABSOLUTELY go with the 8.2L Merc…just to get the lower RPM, and the BB sound. I just think it’s the better platform for me.
The high RPM of the BP drives me nuts.

[NYrob]

Looks like you were docked at the the Algonquin, how was lunch?