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Well, I checked out the pics and I have to eat a little crow.. it turns out the Volvo is indeed making their own PCU for this motor.

So if the only difference between the 380 and 430 is indeed tuning, and a buyer was motivated enough (or had a background in tuning/racing), then the easiest path would be to ditch the Volvo PCU and go with a Megasquirt MS3Pro or something similar, and just run a nearly off the shelf Vette tune in it and get 430+ hp. MS3Pros run around $1200. I've been learning alot since I delved into tuning the 8.1Gxi and it's a lot simpler than I was worried it would be. Especially since the new motors already have built in O2's... the auto-tune feature of MS3Pro would probably have that thing dialed in in a hurry. But in addition to the ECU, you'd also need to convert the wiring harness, so it's not quite plug and play.

My gut reaction to this, though, is that the Volvo PCM/ECU is doing more than just controlling Air/Fuel/Spark and reading various sensors around the engine. It participates in the NMEA 2000 Network (part of the "EVC" offering) to work with other devices available (Garmin units, throttle, auto trim, etc).

Agree with you on the MS3 for basic engine control, however.

Ms3 could easily deal with the throttle and there are some other aftermarket and diy options for the N2k stuff, but you're absolutely right - there is an added layer of complexity that you'd have to try to solve that is probably more tricky than the engine ecu itself.

I'm a bit new to this, and with a new Cobalt 210 and two foot itis, I'm already looking at a new 2017 Cobalt R5 with light equipment and a VP 380. It seems to me, at this price point, who would really want to start messing with the electronics in an attempt to get a "free" 50 HP. Don't you think it would be best for a purchaser, to just pay the extra and know that any problem with their Volvo Penta engine is covered for 5 years?

I haven't seen any R5s equipped with a 430 and many don't even have 380s. From what I've read and the reviews I've watched, it seems that the 380 is more than well suited for this model.

It's all about perspective, I guess. I can't afford a new R5 or R7, so it's probably a moot point for me. But as far as I'm concerned if I was looking at a $10k up charge for 50hp that would be especially hard for me to swallow. But setting up an Ms3 and a n2k gateway is more than in my wheelhouse and would cost quite a bit less, especially if I went the diy route for the ms3. Or, swapping the volvo pcu and parts out for a little bit more, I guess.

Tuscany wrote: Thu Aug 02, 2018 6:19 pm Thanks Cycle.

Slide, I’ll PM pics of my ECM.

Attaching a couple here. Belt in way, so had to take two

Lastly

Tuscany wrote: Mon Jul 30, 2018 2:28 pm So, there isn’t a simple upload difference. There are hardware differences also?
Could someone with a 380 6.2L please post a picture of the block mounted emissions sticker?
If you open the hatch, it’s on the front of the block to the right under the head.
Thanks.
It will look like this.

So Tuscany
Cycles has the same 321 kw max hp. So what ya thinking. Cover?

Big Block Power wrote: Sat Aug 04, 2018 12:06 am

Tuscany wrote: Mon Jul 30, 2018 2:28 pm So, there isn’t a simple upload difference. There are hardware differences also?
Could someone with a 380 6.2L please post a picture of the block mounted emissions sticker?
If you open the hatch, it’s on the front of the block to the right under the head.
Thanks.
It will look like this.

So Tuscany
Cycles has the same 321 kw max hp. So what ya thinking. Cover?

321kw = 430hp, so it just lends more credibility to the internals of the engines being the same.

So, what emissions sticker reads 283kW? Must mean block/internals are the same. If both me and Tusc have the same block/emissions tag, I bet he does indeed have the 430 since the engine cover reads that he must have the 430hp ECM.

Why doesn’t someone here with a 380 swap electronics with someone here who has a 430 and tell us what happens?

slideruleracer wrote: Fri Aug 03, 2018 11:37 am It's all about perspective, I guess. I can't afford a new R5 or R7, so it's probably a moot point for me. But as far as I'm concerned if I was looking at a $10k up charge for 50hp that would be especially hard for me to swallow. But setting up an Ms3 and a n2k gateway is more than in my wheelhouse and would cost quite a bit less, especially if I went the diy route for the ms3. Or, swapping the volvo pcu and parts out for a little bit more, I guess.

Slide, sounds like you should try it out on cycles boat, if it works out you can come do mine! I couldn't swallow the 10k for 50 hp. Though I know almost nothing about engine's this thread is fascinating. From a MFG/design/development standpoint it would make a lot of sense to engineer 1 engine and spec it differently with electronics to hit two price points for people.

Big Block Power wrote: Sat Aug 04, 2018 12:06 am

Tuscany wrote: Mon Jul 30, 2018 2:28 pm So, there isn’t a simple upload difference. There are hardware differences also?
Could someone with a 380 6.2L please post a picture of the block mounted emissions sticker?
If you open the hatch, it’s on the front of the block to the right under the head.
Thanks.
It will look like this.

So Tuscany
Cycles has the same 321 kw max hp. So what ya thinking. Cover?

Yeah, I think they grabbed the wrong cover.
Originally, the Volvo USA Rep told me that the emissions tag was engine/hp specific. I think he wasn’t up to snuff on their new product.
Both basic engines are exactly the same, with the “max” of 321k depending on the program. Looks like both the 380 and 430 share the same emission tag. Since my ECU is tagged 380, I think that’s exactly what I have. For now, if something goes wrong, I don’t want to hear anything except “it’ll be fixed under warranty “.

IMO, if this is performance one gets with the 380, man, spend the 10k 430 up charge on other options . The 380 is plenty strong for this boat.

Here is the transcript from my voicemail, read the bottom one first.

Tuscany wrote: Sat Aug 04, 2018 11:07 am

Big Block Power wrote: Sat Aug 04, 2018 12:06 am

Tuscany wrote: Mon Jul 30, 2018 2:28 pm So, there isn’t a simple upload difference. There are hardware differences also?
Could someone with a 380 6.2L please post a picture of the block mounted emissions sticker?
If you open the hatch, it’s on the front of the block to the right under the head.
Thanks.
It will look like this.

So Tuscany
Cycles has the same 321 kw max hp. So what ya thinking. Cover?

Yeah, I think they grabbed the wrong cover.
Originally, the Volvo USA Rep told me that the emissions tag was engine/hp specific. I think he wasn’t up to snuff on their new product.
Both basic engines are exactly the same, with the “max” of 321k depending on the program. Looks like both the 380 and 430 share the same emission tag. Since my ECU is tagged 380, I think that’s exactly what I have. For now, if something goes wrong, I don’t want to hear anything except “it’ll be fixed under warranty “.

IMO, if this is performance one gets with the 380, man, spend the 10k 430 up charge on other options . The 380 is plenty strong for this boat.

Here is the transcript from my voicemail, read the bottom one first.

Where did I miss it that you had the 380ecu? Does it say 380 or the part number. I guess if it is a 380 then I would have them get you the correct cover? You also have what f5 props and that's what the 380 comes with?

Nowhere does it say 380 or 430 on the electronics. Just the sticker like Cycles. I have the f5, and I think the F6 would be the 430 prop, but I think it’s under propped with the 5. Constantly hitting red line with a full load.

I’d love to try a 6, but not for 1,500 bucks..