Mercruiser 6.2L Versus VP 6.2L

[Cycleman6]

I have looked through several threads, done lots of searches, and don't see many thoughts and opinions on these two setups. I seem to see at least 80% R series boats equipped with the VP versus the Merc. What do you gain with the VP versus the Merc. If I switched to the VP, I think I would only be happy with the 6.2L 380HP, and my existing configuration is the 6.2L 350 Merc.

[Big Block Power]

For some reason Cobalt really possess the Volvo. There's something behind the scenes we don't know about. I hate to say it but Volvo tech is way ahead of merc on stern drives right now. The 380 or 430 would be a great choice.

[AsLan7]

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VP was able to squeak out 430hp from a 6.2 small block which is quite a feat as it now leaves the heavier older generation Merc Big blocks in the dust. And I think VP just detuned the 430 horse to 380 to fit a HP niche and charge for the extra—in other words, $8-10k for a software flash! UGHH.

Still, VP is ahead on the development of its engines over the older generation Mercs. (Direct fuel injection, variable timing) etc. Merc chose a different route which was discussed in another thread.

Why go for a heavier Big Block Merc when you can get the same horsepower & torque from a lighter, smaller block, Volvo Penta engine.
( and I’m a Merc fan thru and thru—or make that blue and blue as I love those racing engines. )

Then when you add the fact that ONLY VP has the forward drive technology, well, VP now suddenly corners the surf market. ...and that market is in BIG demand right now.

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[Ytmsn]

Here is a picture if a naked 6.2. Keep in mind this is a GM auto engine that's marinized by VP and Marc

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[AsLan7]

Remember YT, the 6.2 pictured above is the one Volvo Penta marinized. 430 HP out of an aluminum GM small block. (380 HP with the software flash downgrade).

The 6.2 that Merc uses is an engine they developed internally—on their own. (No marinizing a Fifth generation GM block). This resulted in a 350 HP and the lesser 300 HP versions.

Here’s the Boating Magazine article on that...
https://www.boatingmag.com/mercury-merc ... ect#page-4

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[thunder550]

Did VP marinize the actual LS3, or was it an iron block variant?

[Ytmsn]

As far as I know there isn't an iron block 6.2 from GM. The 6.2 that Merc came up with may be.

[Tuscany]

The 6.2l difference is simple. Old technology vs. brand new.
The Merc 6.2l is the old SFI version that has been around for years.

The VP 6.2L is based on the new GM Gen 5, that was released on the road in 2015, and marinized in late 2017.
Direct injection, 11.5:1 compression, VVT, all aluminum block that carries a lot more low end torque, top end HP along with 10% better fuel economy. Add in VP's smooth shifting and instant push button winterizing.

Two totally different engines with major differences between them.
IMO.. As it sits today for a "new" boat, ANYTHING stern drive Merc is a poor choice.

The perfect combo isn’t out there yet. For me, combine all of those improvements in a lighter, lower revving all aluminum VVT big block.

[Tuscany]

What would be interesting is the new Ford 7.3L BB gasoline engine rumored to be released in the 2020 Ford Super Duty.. you know it will have all of the latest technology bells and whistles.
If it’s an all aluminum light weight block, it would make an interesting platform to drop into a boat.
I am sure things will be changing again, and at some point, Merc has to re-enter the market with something to up the ante.


...which begs the question, why no marinized Powerstroke, Cummins or Duramax?
Imagine that as an option.

[Ytmsn]

I'm betting it's because there's no place to fuel on the lakes. Probably in coastal areas, but not on inland lakes. Just guessing

[Tuscany]

Very probable YT.
Fuel is available around here, but we’re talking Lake Erie where there are a ton of commercial vessels.

[tgrace98]

If I was purchasing a new boat right now I would for sure go with the VP 6.2L. I'm not to sure about Merc engineering their own engines as it is something they have never done. Who knows they could turn out to be great. I"d just let others figure that out for me for a the first few years

My 262 is my first VP boat I have owned and I owned 3 other boats in the past that were all Mercruisers. I will have to say so far although I have only put about 1hr on my new boat. I can say I cannot believe how much smoother the VP shifts compared to Merc's ( I had 1 alpha drive and 2 bravo's)

[Cycleman6]

The 6.2l difference is simple. Old technology vs. brand new.
The Merc 6.2l is the old SFI version that has been around for years.

The VP 6.2L is based on the new GM Gen 5, that was released on the road in 2015, and marinized in late 2017.
Direct injection, 11.5:1 compression, VVT, all aluminum block that carries a lot more low end torque, top end HP along with 10% better fuel economy. Add in VP's smooth shifting and instant push button winterizing.

Two totally different engines with major differences between them.
IMO.. As it sits today for a "new" boat, ANYTHING stern drive Merc is a poor choice.

The perfect combo isn’t out there yet. For me, combine all of those improvements in a lighter, lower revving all aluminum VVT big block.

I know you got the 6.2L VP in your new R7. What grade fuel do you have to burn?

[Joe]

Interesting video, and it's the older 6.0 block they used prior to the 6.2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAk2Q20HkvY

[Table Rockin]

Interesting video, and it's the older 6.0 block they used prior to the 6.2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAk2Q20HkvY

Nice. I have the older 6.0 generation in mine. Though I havent even driven her yet....sigh...

I'm really expecting a major upgrade in performance from what I had. I'm with Tusc and Tgrace. VP is the only option I'd consider on a new build.