Hello everyone,
Does anyone know the type/model number of spark plugs I can buy to upgrade the current ones in my boat?
I have a 2015 AR 190 and I heard that iridium may increase performance a little.
Looking to get anything extra I can out of the boat since I'm stuck with it. Probably should have got a 192 vs 190 but what's done is done.
Responding to the quote and conversation here.
I run iridiums, but that's not a performance upgrade.
With the 1.8l N/A engines there are no huge gains to be had on a budget, but you can make them run a lot smoother and make them come very close to match the power of a stock 1.8l SC engine (used in 192s) with reasonably inexpensive mods, while almost doubling fuel efficiency (as compared to SC).
1.8l N/A is the SAME engine that powers the newer VXR/VXS skis. In that regard, GreenHulk forum is a good resource, and you can get a 10% discount on parts. But... not everything translates well into boats.
1. Ribbon delete. Cost (per engine): between $0 and ~$250
The most easy and cost effective mod. You will gain about 200 RPM in a 190 boat, along with 1-3 mph increase in top speed.
You can check
@SamCF threads, here and on the other site. Complete no brainer and very effective. No need to do anything else, but if you want to play it safe, couple that with:
- RIVA air filter (or equivalent) - gets you the flame arrestor and USCG compliance (I used a cheap automotive equivalent)
http://www.4-tecperformance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=2153&zenid=tt69pbhps8nfft5hemtc8klep6
- RIVA intake manifold ring - supposedly improves air flow (I did not install that)
http://www.4-tecperformance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=2153&zenid=tt69pbhps8nfft5hemtc8klep6
2. ECU reflash. Cost (per engine): ~$600-900
Bumps the rev limiter up, so your speed gains will depend on the set up. With a stock impeller you will gain at least 200-300 RPM along with 2-3 mph top speed, but the real gains are in low and mid-range torque. A very safe way to increase and improve the power band, if you use a "canned tune". In that case, it is either a send-out of your own ECU unit to R&D, or a purchase of V-Tech Maptuner and a tuning license. I have the V-tech system purchased through Greenhulk store, love it.
http://www.greenhulk.net/forums/showthread.php?t=235501&highlight=vtech+ecu+yamaha
Great upgrade, not exactly cheap. Premium fuel highly recommended. But, you do not need any accompanying engine mods up to the Stage 2 level. After that it gets EXPENSIVE.
3. Pump/impeller/ride plate upgrades. Cost: ~$100 (for basic impeller cleanup)
This is the most tricky and also somewhat under-researched area for performance upgrades in our boats.
I have come to believe that the most time and cost effective modification here is actually sealing and blueprinting the pump, and truing the impeller/wear ring to specs.
That said, I am actively pursuing a hot setup with an aftermarket impeller/wear ring/cone combination - no success yet.
My top speed (with the above and OEM pump) is 48.3mph (gps), running with a full tank of gas, heavy tower, bimini, 200-300lbs of sound deadening, 9ft Keel Shield, Cobra Ultimate steering, bunch of random gear and a kind of dirty hull, too... You get the picture. I can haul 1,800 lbs of ballast and go over 35mph... Fuel economy is great, you can easily exceed 4mpg in light cruising.
