Z1, 320 or 340hp

[Kito]

I'm looking into buying an 08 Z1 but the big hold up that Im haveing is it has the 320hp motor. I always went with the thought that bigger is better and I think the 340 might be a better choice. I'm getting into surfing but I still like to throw down some sweet turns when the glass is out on the lake. Just looking for some insite.

[da.bell]

I would agree with you. The MP 340 engine is is awesome and will provide enough power for you when you eventually weigh the boat down with ballast. I am sure the 320 can do the same but money well spend with that upgrade.

[dogbert]

I would agree with you. The MP 340 engine is is awesome and will provide enough power for you when you eventually weigh the boat down with ballast. I am sure the 320 can do the same but money well spend with that upgrade.

I'd take a look at the torque curves before spending any money on extra HP. The 340 is definitely the most popular engine, which may be the reason to go with that, but when I looked at the differences between the MP engines, there really wasn't that big a difference to justify the extra $$s.

[kko]

I test drove the Z1 at the dealers meeting when they first came out we had these things loaded up and you could not tell the difference from 320 to 340. i can assure the 320 will be fine for that boat. if i were to get one i would get the 320 and spend the extra $$$ on some wetsounds or some other option i liked i really would. best of luck.

[chpthril]

I've driven Wminnich's 22Ve with factory ballast + extra. I was really impressed with the 320hp. I would not hesitate to order the 320hp. Like KKO said, use the diff for other upgrades/options.

[Original Wing Nut]

I am a go bigger on horse power guy. It apears you are in Montana which means alititude. You will have less horse power at altitude, as much as 20% less above 5,000 feet. You can compensate by repropping, but if it were me I'd go 340. My boat screams at Mead, 3,000 feet,compared to my local lakes that are around 6,000 feet. Good luck on the new purchase.

[ragboy]

How much the 20 extra horsies make, I don't know. However, my own personal observations seem to be on this site that the MP 340 is a great engine, with plenty of power, excellent fuel economy and seems to be reliable.

I have the 340 in my 2007 24Ve, which is a big boat. I can still go 41 mph with as much as 2500-3000 lbs of people/ballast/gear.

[tigesinaus]

we went for the 360 in our z1 and dont regret it, its has great hole shot and a pretty good top speed, but i wouldnt say its a fast boat. id probably go the 340 for the little extra high end.

[flyguy]

We have no regrets going with the 340hp. Having said that, I have not driven the 320hp engine at all, so I don't know how it compares.

I don't think the 320 is fuel injected, so you may want to think about that - in this day in age, there is no reason to put up with the hassle of carbs in my opinion. The 340hp starts right away every time with no choking or excessive cranking. And from what I can tell over 50 hours of use this summer, it burns less than 5 gallons an hour. I'd sure like to know what the burn is on the 320hp motor.

[bk3104]

I only have experience with the 340 in my 24VE. Never had a power/performance issue. Agree with flyguy, IF the 320 is not fuel injected then I'd choose the 340 from a maint/long term performance perspective.

[majestic]

I test drove a Z1 with the 320 before I bought my 22ve and I thought it was a rocket. My 22ve has the 340 and probably weighs a bit more. I would get the 320 unless it only a few $'s more.

[DieselPWR]

They have the 320 with and without EFI. I don't believe they encourage the Carbuerated. I went with the Z1 with the 320 HP and it has plenty of pop. Its not like you can't add 20 HP later with some minor mods if you felt it wasn't enough.

[chpthril]

How much the 20 extra horsies make, I don't know. However, my own personal observations seem to be on this site that the MP 340 is a great engine, with plenty of power, excellent fuel economy and seems to be reliable.

I have the 340 in my 2007 24Ve, which is a big boat. I can still go 41 mph with as much as 2500-3000 lbs of people/ballast/gear.

We have no regrets going with the 340hp. Having said that, I have not driven the 320hp engine at all, so I don't know how it compares.

I don't think the 320 is fuel injected, so you may want to think about that - in this day in age, there is no reason to put up with the hassle of carbs in my opinion. The 340hp starts right away every time with no choking or excessive cranking. And from what I can tell over 50 hours of use this summer, it burns less than 5 gallons an hour. I'd sure like to know what the burn is on the 320hp motor.

MP offered a carb'd 315hp in 07, but I think the 320 for 08 and 09 (til they run out) is MPI only and is basically a 340 with 20 less hp. From the outside, they look almost identical.

[soonerlaw04]

I have a 20v with the 320 hp engine. Its a smaller boat, but it has great power. It is a fuel injected engine and on our first tank of gas it burned around 4.7 gallons per hour.

[buffman]

I have the Z1 withthe 340hp and have ridin behind one with the 320hp and yes 20hp helps greatly - highly recommend it - especially at alltiude or fully loaded!!