Need more power in a Malibu
 

Looking at buying a New 07 Malibu Wakesetter, base engine is a 320hp, and it's a $11,000 premium to upgrade to the 400hp (383ci) engine. Im sure I could get 80hp more (and the corresponding torque) cheaper than blowing $11k on it.

Any idea on what cam to run, what else would wake it up.

James

I wouldnt recommend going to a longer duration cam on a ski boat. You need all the torque down low for pulling skiers. You need more cubes.

supercharge. It's probably not the greatest idea to modify a brand new boat. Your warranty wouldn't cover the driveline at all if you mess with it. If you really want the hp, pay the 11k or buy a used one and modify it.

Rene

No matter how much hp you put in those boats, they won't go fast. A friend has a Malibu Echelon with the Monsoon engine. Close to 400 hp but it's only about 4 mph faster than mine with a 265 hp Magnum. A Donzi with the same hp would go 75. If you really want more hp, go with the supercharger. That way you won't kill the bottom end.

Im not aiming to go fast I already have another boat for that, Im shooting for more bottom end to pull a wakeboarder up fully loaded (ballast).

The difference (as far as I can tell) between a 320 Indmar and the 400 is 383 stroker crank and a set of fastburn heads. Thats not an 11k upgrade in my books.

Basically trying to build a stump puller of a motor and am leaning towards building a 383 stroker, with more compression, (we have 95 on pump)

Or as has been mentioned a small low profile blower may be a better option.

There's no reason you should need more power to pull a wakeboarder out of the water. Actually less power than needed to pull a slalom. We have a old 93 Mastercraft with the LT1 motor, no mods and have never had any problem pulling anything. Wakeboard, slalom, barefoot. Etc... And I'm 6' 210lbs. Are you trying to rip the guys arms off?

Maybe the case, but currently we have a 00 Wakesetter with the 265hp motor, and loaded with 1200kgs (2650lbs)of ballast + plus boat weight (3200lbs) thats alot of of weight for a 265 to get out of the hole. It also drops off in the sweet zone that you need to be in (around 20mph), but thats probably also a function of hull design.

I think I'll just try it with the 320 and go from there.

Big Block bill or Raylar will get it going.

Malibu used to put big blocks in as an option. I almost bought a used one. It was a stump puller. :D

big power from a small block
 

You might want to consider our new LSM550 all aluminum small block we are releasing in late April-May. At 550HP from a 500lb. package its going to be a real hot package for boats like this. You can view it and check it out on our website.

Regards,
Ray @ Raylar