Volvo Penta DPX Q&A
 

Hey all - looking for some info about Volvo Penta DPX duodrive performance. I have a 27 Eliminator with a stock (non-EFI) 502 and E3 props on my DPX. Running 66MPH @ 4k RPM. What do you have with yours and what are you getting as far as performance? Thanks!

I ran the same speed in my v-bottom 21' boat @ 4500 rpm, 1.68:1 and E2´s.
Small block with 400 hp.

The outdrive is moving to my new (old) 28' boat but the engine will be replaced by a bigger one.
No idea on what speed to expect from the new boat, might hit the water this summer if all goes well - it´s to early in the project to know yet.

I think Volvo sold the DPX drive with a 600HP engine at one point. Has anyone exceeding that power level with the drive that you know of?

There is an Arrow 830 over here that had about 700 hp with an dpx outdrive, I believe that they broke the outdrive once when landing at full throttle doing about 70 knots.
You are correct in that Volvo sold the dpx drive with a 540 cui motor, 560 hp at the prop shaft.

Which DPX do you have, earlier R or later A? The As are a little stronger as they eliminated a mid housing, going to (2) pieces from (3). On the Rs, the upper/mid was a weak link. On all of them, the pinion gear is prone to failing once you get past a couple hundred hours. The other thing that was a MAJOR killer of them, was being used in high x dimension/surfacing applications. Last thing, is keep an eye on your props, as the rears especially, had a tendency to develop stress cracks in the blades.

I had the DPX 600 setup for 11 years, and as far as driveability/reliability, I would take them over a Bravo anyday

That is some great info - thank you for sharing. Not sure which I have as far as R or A, I have put a couple pics here - its on a 1998 model. The x dimension I am also not familiar with, but here is also a pic of the boat. Its a air entrapment hull (cat) - Thanks again for all the info! Love to learn.

no pics for now apparently :)

You are not allowed to post URLs until you have at least 10 posts

The Rs have a (3) pc housing and are kind of ugly/angular on the upper. If the drive is original to the boat, based on year I would guess you have an R. The As are a little prettier, have a (2) pc housing which is sloped/rounded on the upper.

got it. based on that description I have the ugly older one :) when I bought the boat the lower had broke instantly. sourced a new old stock lower from doug rusell and it was a different gear (1.58) versus the one I had. Luckily they mated ok and the service center said no problem, just not sure how affects gearing.

There are DPX-S (and S1), followed by DPX-R and then later on DPX-A.
I have a picture of the differences of the drives but I'm not allowed to post any pictures yet.