GM 315 Hp carb engine VS GM MPI 340

[Carter13]

We are considering a 2006 20V Tige. This boat comes with a GM 315 HP Carb engine. They only have one in stock. Should we upgrade to the GM MPI 340 and order a new boat. The cost for the upgraded engine is $2500. Is this worth it? Does anyone know if there is a considerable difference in the gas mileage, reliability and pulling power?

[CessnaCaptain]

It depends on 2 things.

Where do you live? If you live in a mountainous area or travel to higher elevation lakes, then you might consider it and save yourself the adjustments and running frustrations.

#2 What are you going to use it for? If your towing older people..lol.. like myself or are really loading it up with ballast and gear, then more would be better.

It will save you a small amt of fuel so decide if you want to pay now or pay as you go.

I live in and travel to higher elevations and regret the carb choice.

Good luck?

[Carter13]

Thanks for the info, mostly we will be using the boat at sea level or 500 feet. We will be using the boat for wakeboarding, and intertubing.

[wrangler]

For what it is worth, I would always go with the mpi engine over a carbon tooter. We have the 340 hp vortec motor and are very happy so far. Plenty of power and the flexibility as mentioned is always nice. The horse power gain and increased reliability and flexibility with the 340hp motor is worth the money in my humble opinion. Just my .02

Good luck and we'll be anxious to hear which way you go...wrangler

[Zacky]

Not to mention better resale value with the fuel injection...

[leisure]

I have the MerCruiser 315 MPI in my 22V and am very happy with the performance and reliability. It should be a cheaper upgrade than the 340.

[bneub]

We have the fuel injection and are very happy. After being around mostly carbureted boats for years, one of my new boat requirements was fuel injection.

The carbureted boats vapor lock, are harder to start and warm up, less fuel economy, not as reliable, lower resale value.

[NICKYPOO]

They still but carbs on boats?

[teachercop]

Fuel Injection is more efficient and therefore tends to be more economical as far as operational costs. This efficiency also benefits in maintenance items such as spark plug replacements. $2500 seems steep,,perhaps you could explore other FI engine options. As suggested earlier the 5.7L 315mpi engine option might be offered a bit less than the marine power. I have had mine since 1999, seemed run the same at elevation,,Lake Tahoe as it does at Lake Mead. Used to be an issue with my carbureted boat.

[talltigeguy]

I'm with Nickypoo - I didn't know anyone ordered a pricey item like this and then skimped on the fuel injection. I just don't think I would look forward to being in the middle of the lake trying to spray WD-40 into the carb to get her fired up.

I had the 315 MPI in my 02 Tige and had no problems with it except when the oil pan leaked. My dealer got frustrated with Merc and switched to GM and still says he is happy about the switch.

[Paublo]

I agree that the $2500 add for EFI sounds a little steep. Perhaps part of the reason is the dealer is willing to discount the carb engine more as it will be harder to sell?

[jweinrich]

we purchased a 2006 20v with 340hp and it is a rocket. we live in wyoming around 5000 ft this boat runs about 52mph we are very pleased.

[NICKYPOO]

52! Is that on GPS, PP, or the speedo? What prop are you running?

[ghollow]

Buy the MPI, you will not regret it. The carburetor has too many things that can go wrong. With MPI, the engine computer makes all of the adjustments for you. One thing you will need to do is run a bottle of fuel system cleaner through the engine at least once a year. This will keep the fuel injectors clean. I prefer "Chevron Techron". I run a tank of it through my truck everytime I change the oil also.

[condor86]

well i have to disagree a bit...there are far more things to go wrong with a fuel injected engine than a carbed engine ie computer problems, injector problems, etc...

But the fuel inj motor when running properly will blow you away in that boat!

My choice would be FI but if it gets down to the brass tacks then i could live with a carbed 315.