ZUL engines
 

Does anyone have information or opinions on Zuls?
I live on LI, and thought if I was ever going to go extreme, it would
be nice to have the builder local. Am I right on that point?

Re: ZUL engines
 

I don't think you could go wrong with them. They would be on my list for sure.

Re: ZUL engines
 

Do they build EFI or just carb motors?

Re: ZUL engines
 

I have them. They have been great. Mine have been very fuel efficient as well.

Re: ZUL engines
 

Damn....those are sweet......and from what I hear they run pretty damn good too........

Re: ZUL engines
 

both. Recent good article in PB not long ago about ZUL

Re: ZUL engines
 

My friend had a set of Zul's where Richie had tweaked on a 575sc. Unfortunately, his silent choice tips got stuck without his knowledge (first boat) and eventually damaged the engines. They were pulled, freshened, and have ran perfectly ever since in a different boat.

They were purty as well.

Spitfire1: Thanks man. They are almost as pretty as that Gladiator. :cool:

Here are my buddies Zul's

Re: ZUL engines
 

PRG T/S, are you anywhere near NY?
Do you think it matters if you boat near the builder
for servicing reasons?
How would you compare the ZULs or any other Custom builder
to Merc for reliability or Resale?

Re: ZUL engines
 

The boat stays in Miami in the Winter at LipShip. It stays in Oklahoma in the Summer where I live full time.

I don't think it matters much if you have someone to do the easy stuff (change plugs, oil, belts, etc).

Personnally, I think Richie builds an excellent engine. I don't have to tune on them everytime I go out, like I see others having to do. They start everytime. They don't burn oil. I will get 250-300 hours in before I decide to do a little freshening (I have 190 right now).

I still feel that Mercury is the best all around engine out there. I just want something between the 525 and 900 or 1075. They have millions of dollars in R&D and testing, so it's hard to compete with that. Mercury also has certified dealers and mechanics on every little puddle of water in the country.

Resale will always depend on what your buyer feels is the best for them. Some like Mercury products which will more than likely be the best resale since they have a bigger audience.

Some like Zul, Sterling, Keith Eickert, Cobra, etc. because they can build whatever hp you desire. Your kinda stuck with what Mercury already produces.

Hope that helps at least a little. :cool:

Re: ZUL engines
 

Thanks for the input.
After reading the posts here about mercs HP gap, and the $, I was
thinking of other builders. I would think of putting something more
than 525 in a 28-30 single. I've got lots of time before my next boat,
but always thinking of it.

Re: ZUL engines
 

PRG T/G,
The tweaked 575 sci's, just freshen or more h.p.?

Re: ZUL engines
 

When he tweaked them they had 650hp if I remember correctly.

Re: ZUL engines
 

many cigs in europe have zul power and most of the ones i see are from early 90s. that says a lot about their durability. i've seen some with over 500 hours and they still ran correctly. and maintenance of gas engines is not exactly the strong point over here in Europe. when someone takes off the valve covers to see what's going on, uhhh... it's a big deal, he'll tell you that the engines have been "completely overhauled". anyway, zul would be on my shortlist along with sterling and eickert for anything above the HP525 power. Even if I was buying 900+ horses, I'd still prefer to work with these guys than have a Merc 900. don't know anything about the 1075...

Re: ZUL engines
 

I put 300 hours on some Zul 700,s and they were awesome.They always fired right up,always ran consistently,and never gave me a problem.

Re: ZUL engines
 

I deleted that last post because I thought you might take it the wrong way.....but I see that you didnt.....no disrespect intended.....

Re: ZUL engines
 

Simply put, look at the old records of the B-Class boat Fever with Joe Sgro.
They either won or broke a drive. I never heard of them having any engine troubles. Other than too much power...... :D

Re: ZUL engines
 

Richie dynoed/dialed in my current engines when I went to blowers. His pricing was very reasonable, Richie is very helpful, and most importantly, the motors have been tremendous! Certainly changed my mind on blower applications! You won't be dissapointed. ;)

Re: ZUL engines
 

I've never heard anything negative about Zul engines.

Re: ZUL engines
 

WoW the diesel guru chimes in!!!!!

As usuall very close to perfect wisdom!!!!

Re: ZUL engines
 

member 28 scarab just had his engine done by ritchie and it's going mid 90s

Re: ZUL engines
 

Phil swears by him a has a few World Championship to show for it.