X-35 and X-45 High Altitude Engine size

[cutlerdaddy]

Originally Posted by Heelgrad

I would aim to find one with a 6.2 Ilmor if you can. Love ours. Hassle free and powerful!

Thanks I agree most of the time that you cant have enough power. It is more finding the right boat with the right engine that is difficult. But the 1 thing I have is time, we are not in a hurry to make a change and if I need to wait to find one with a 6.2 so be it.

[cutlerdaddy]

Originally Posted by Aric'sX15

260 hours on a 2006! i just rolled 270 on my 10! haha. not sure on the engine. Its right down the road from where i live, its at a Bu' dealer

I know right. I purchased this 06 2 years ago this March and it only had 80 hrs. With our 3 month season here in Utah 90 hrs/year is a average amount I would think?

[Ski-me]

I'd aim for the larger 8.1 if you can find a good one.

8.1 related: my Suburban has the same engine and it's been flawless at 102k miles. The aftermarket is pretty slim though on this engine. But finding any parts/tune up things are not a problem.

Elevation related: I went with a LT1 engine (319 hp) vs. the stock 275 hp for my 94' 205. At 6500' elevation, I wanted more. It performs great at this elevation but going to Idaho at 2000', the boat gets up and moves! A lot of fun at lower elevations for sure!

Bottom line, you will lose power at this higher elevation and in my opinion, you want the higher HP engine.

Propping does help though.

I took it up to Grandby lake, I think about 9000' and it did OK. Enough to barefoot and ski but it was certainly a little slower than 6500'.

Anyways, just fyi on my experience.....

[RyanD121]

I'm in Grand Junction, CO and have a houseboat at Lake Powell, so we're there all the time. I have an '08 XStar with the LY6 6.0L and love it. I can't remember what prop I have on there at the moment, but I run the Fly High ballast bags and the boat does great, plus we also do a little bit of cruising around to show people a few of the spots. We also go up to Vega lake up on the Grand Mesa (~8000' elevation) once or twice a summer and it does fine up there too, just can't load the bags up as full as you can at Powell or she won't plane. It would nice to have 500+ horsepower at times, but the 6.0L is a very reliable engine and does just fine for now. Hope this helps

[Forrest-X45]

Get the biggest engine you can. That would be the 8.1 up to 2010 and then the Ilmor 6.2 or Indmar 6.2 SC in 2011. The 6.0 from Indmar will work but you will have to find the right prop for your activities and being at high altitude. It might not be enough if you sack it out for surfing.

I would also recommend having your wife ski both boats before buying. I haven't skied the 35 but the 45 is doable but she should try it first. Wake plate at 75-80% and 15' off works. Just make sure you are on edge across the wake.

Enjoy shopping!!

[cutlerdaddy]

Originally Posted by Forrest-X45

Get the biggest engine you can. That would be the 8.1 up to 2010 and then the Ilmor 6.2 or Indmar 6.2 SC in 2011. The 6.0 from Indmar will work but you will have to find the right prop for your activities and being at high altitude. It might not be enough if you sack it out for surfing.

I would also recommend having your wife ski both boats before buying. I haven't skied the 35 but the 45 is doable but she should try it first. Wake plate at 75-80% and 15' off works. Just make sure you are on edge across the wake.

Enjoy shopping!!

Forrest thanks, that's the information I am looking for. The more I read and research the more I like the 45. The interior space seems awesome.

[Alan-S]

I have a used X-35 with a 6.2 Ilmor and also an X-45 with an 8.1 here in Denver. Both 1 owner, both as clean as they come. I sent you a PM also.

[FourFourty]

High altitude is the biggest reason that it would have been nice for MC to offer a supercharged engine still....... Simple pulley swap, and you are back up to full power.

Maybe, if you are lucky, you could find a good deal on 2011 X35 or X45 with an LSA. It would obviosly have more power than you needed, but you could do a 5 minute pulley swap when you go to 6000' and still have 550hp.

ok....ok.... I realize it is not very likely to find one, let alone, for less than 70k..... I was jussayin

[cutlerdaddy]

Originally Posted by Alan-S

I have a used X-35 with a 6.2 Ilmor and also an X-45 with an 8.1 here in Denver. Both 1 owner, both as clean as they come. I sent you a PM also.

Thanks sent you a PM

[cutlerdaddy]

So I'm still looking for an X35 or 45, I found a 2010 35 low hrs, good options, and with the LY6. I want to hear from Utah or fellow high altitude guys what there thoughts are with a 35 with the LY6. My local dealer said no problem and I believe them but I have my reservations.