2021 23zx engine

[tonka8ty]

Is the 460 raptor engine enough for a 23' ZX or should a guy go with the 575 and why. Elevation is 6400ft

[UNSTUCK]

My RZX3 was just good enough with the 440 and 2:1 transmission at 4200 feet. We never bothered heading to the higher mountain lakes with it because we knew it wouldn't perform. I think the ZX might be a better hull and not plow so much so that might help. If you're thinking about buying, you really should test drive the 460 and see. Where are you located?

[tonka8ty]

Wyoming

[cbath]

I’ve got a 2020 23ZX with 460 2:1 in Utah...
We have surfed a lake that sits at 7,600 feet. It depends on how you plan to use the boat.
The way ours is propped, 7600 feet, 5 “not small” adults 350 lbs of lead surfing 11.3-11.7 no problems what so ever. If you want to load it down full ballast and wakeboard, not going to happen....
Top speed at 7600 feet was around 36 mph, surf RPM was around 3150.

When I order my next one, I believe I will spend the extra and go with the supercharged version. Mostly because I think you could push the same weight with lower RPM and bring fuel consumption down a bit.

Another thing with the 460 and 575, Indmar recommends 20w50 weight oil in them, you can get away with 5W30 in the 440 and lower engines. The oil change is spendy..

Any other questions feel free to ask, I wish I would have had a better ability to ask questions to someone that had run the 460 for a while.


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[tonka8ty]

Thanks for the info and much appreciated. I think I will just go 575. My 18 rzx3 has 575 but with the 1.5-1 transmission i believe. It likes the fuel.

[cbath]

That’s the way I would go! Enjoy, 23ZX Is an awesome machine!


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[freeheel4life]

I have no anecdotal proof but the mechanic brain in me wants to think that the 575 wouldn't necessarily be more fuel efficient. Yes its not running as hard to push the weight but the charger is bringing in more air. More air means more fuel to burn at stoic AFR. At least thats what my logic tells me.

[cbath]

We would have to do some sort of testing using a scan tool to monitor calculated fuel burn between a N/A and the Supercharged models. I’m an automotive technician and my brain wants to believe more available torque, less throttle input would equal less engine load resulting in less fuel burn... obviously it’s going to be subjective to drive ratios, prop choices and on and on. Who knows.... I haven’t wakeboarded in years, too fat and old for it anymore, so no real need for me to get to wake speeds with heavy ballast loads anymore.


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[sandm]

free got me thinking on this one.
similar story in cars?
think mustang(or any car). one has the eco4banger, one has the 5.0. both cars going down the highway same tranny, same rear end. epa testing says the 5.0 is thirstier than the eco by 20%. both are doing roughly the same work at 70mph.

[cbath]

Naturally aspirated 4 banger versus normally aspirated V8, yep, V8 is going to burn more fuel, twice the number of cylinders to feed. GM ran 2 versions of the 3.8 liter V6 late 90’s early 2000’s, K motor was N/A the 2 motor was supercharged. Here in Utah with elevation changes going up and down the mountains the 2 motor got better fuel economy, not by a lot, but I’d say in the 10-15% better range.
460 and 575 would be the same displacement. Gearing changes from 2:1 to 1.5:1 (or is it 1.76:1?) Freehill would know the gear ratios better than I. My brain still tells me that running to the same speed, same load the 460 would be working harder at a higher RPM??
Would it be enough to make a difference? I don’t know, all I know is I fill my boat until the pump clicks as many times as I can and play until it’s gone.
Have a good evening!


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[Bowzer]

I have the 575 in my 17. My theory was more power + higher gearing (lower numerically) would equal lower rpm and better mileage. We are at 3100 ft

My supercharged Toyota Tundra got better mileage than my non supercharged tundra.

Either way, nobody ever complains about having too much power. I have not driven a 2:1 boat, but it must make a heck of a difference. Loaded up I don’t know I’d want a lot less power in my boat.

[little_criket]

Had ZX1 with the 440, power was fine. But, my 23ZX with 575 is joy to drive. Though it is a thirsty beast, but so was the 440.

[freeheel4life]

Either way, nobody ever complains about having too much power.

^^This. Ive never once heard anyone say "I wish my boat had less power"

Cbath, just a WAG but with specific knowledge like that are you a GM tech??

[cbath]

Cbath, just a WAG but with specific knowledge like that are you a GM tech??

Yes Sir, 22 Years with GM franchises. 2 years aftermarket before that. Wish I could find something different, can’t give up the money though.


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[freeheel4life]

cbath PM sent. Didnt want to derail the thred(as I usually do lol)