I am putting an I/O back in my Sceptre.
True scoop that you have to be more attentive to PM with an I/O but I kinda like tinkering.
An I/O allows the engine to be replaced without replacing the drive which is cool to a tinkerer like me but note that it is WAY more difficult to change the drive height (Imco shorties, spacers, etc).
I am putting a Bravo 1X diesel drive in (raised 2 inches even though this may make space tight on top) - the B1X Diesel has the water bypass for diesel engines and all the X series drives can handle a bit more torque than standard Bravos - this gives me the easy option of a diesel if I want.
I have a low hour 260HP 5.7 that I can use but am probably going to go with a different GM base gas engine:
LY6/L96 - 6.0L Gen IV with iron block and good alum heads, MPI, FWC, VVT, inch longer and inch wider than 5.7, 90 lbs less, ~380HP or
L86 - 6.2L Gen V with alum block and really good Al heads, DI, FWC, VVT, inch longer and inch wider than 5.7, 150 lbs less, ~430HP or 385 depending on chip.
Both of these engines have a good track record, are super efficient at midrange, have tons of torque below 3000 RPM and I think would have great cruise efficiency and long life.
This is not to make a Sceptre into a race boat which it is not - I probably will only go to WOT once for propping and would rather never get a gas I/O engine above 3500-4000 RPM.
This is the short version of how my choices are currently evolving but if a really sweet diesel fell into my lap I would jump on that first.
Everyone gets to live with the pros/cons of their own choices but I would not want an I/O on anything smaller than 23...
Meanwhile, I have to finish the rebuild first - I am supposed to be having some Corecell delivered this weekend for the decks but I am still a long way from a splash.
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