Z3 343 vs 409

[trent]

Currently dreaming of purchasing a Z3...

Any of you folks out there have any opinions about engine size? I understand the EX343 is standard. As it is the same engine running the RZ2 at ~500lbs less is it enough? Furthermore is the ZR409 worth the additional cost?

Thanks.

[skippabcool]

What is your altitude and how much ballast do plan to run? Will that be for surfing or wakeboarding?

On a recent RZ2 it is was about a $5K upgrade.

Welcome to the site and good luck on your dreaming.

[trent]

Thanks for the info.

Looking to do it all
I would definitely like to be able to throw a good surf wake.

I am at around 800ft..

For ballast I would imagine I would start with the Tige Surf(1600lbs). I may go up from there depending on how the wake looks. They make it look pretty easy to replace the stock rear soft sacks with something larger.

I would expect normal load to be 4 kids 4 adults.

[Wickedcummins]

go big or go home.. No sense wishing you had the big boy later.. Get it now

[ragboy]

If you are doing the Z3, get the pro, you need the extra weight up in the front on that boat, I would definitely make that statement after surfing with it so far.

[JreisRZR]

Absolutely 100% get the most ballast you can... TIGE's love front weight

[IDBoating]

Once again: I have never said "I wish I had a smaller engine."

[Timmy!]

I think the 409 is the way to go with the Z3 if you are going to be loading it up. Definitely get the 409 if you plan to run the full ballast while wakeboarding.

[bspot]

I was in the same predicament. I chose the 409 due to the weight of the boat. 4600 pounds is heavy even for a 23 footer, and I plan on running bigger sacs for surfing. I didn't want to take the gamble on the 343 even though it is a great motor and was more than enough in my RZR.

[Duncan]

Once again: I have never said "I wish I had a smaller engine."

I have never regretted putting a 409 in our RZ2. I knew we would be loaded heavy for surfing and I wanted the extra power to reduce engine stress. If I was getting a Z3, it would have, without a doubt, a 409.

[rensink]

I have always opted for the 409hp motor in the boats I have run however I got the chance to do a delivery on a Z3 with the 343 and was ridiculously impressed with that motor and how well it performed in the z3! I feel if you really loaded the boat down with a lot of ballast and people I would opt for the 409 but to keep price down the 343 is plenty of power!

[Bruizza]

Just went through this dilemma on the RZ2 we ordered. We went with the 343 and we boat at 5,000 ft of elevation. I was 100% set on the 409 until the demo. With 2k in ballast the RZ2 didn't need it. We have always ordered the big engine. Our Axis had the raptor 400 and my bro's new 2012 MB 23 TWB has the 409. So after typing all that out of I was buying a Z3 I would get the 409 every single time.

[robert theisen]

I think the Z3 with Pro-ballast and a crew of 6 or more would benefit from the 409.You could get by with the 343,but if you regularly carry a lot of peeps get the 409. I got the 343 in my RZ2 and love it.The Z3 weighs 510 lbs more and has 300 lbs more ballast.Plus you may want to add a custom surf sac.

[trent]

Thanks for all the response.
Does 409 and 343 run the same transmission ratio and prop?

[trent]

Just in case anyone else is looking
409 and 343 come with the same Trans and Prop according to dealer.

Found some torque graphs on GM Marine website. I assume this would relate to PCM versions of the engine. The 343 appears to be quicker off the line and holds on till about 3k. Not what I was expecting to see! Anyone else surprised??