Interested in a 1992 Sunsport. Need opinions.

[trayson]

That's awesome man!! Congrats! I think that's a helluva boat. You've already got some really nice add-ons already taken care of.

Now, go through it and find what's wrong or you think needs help and let us know. We'll help ya figure it out.

Piece of advice, check your tower mounting hardware to make sure they used large backing plates under the fiberglass. You never know who installed that thing.

Okay, here's a silly question. is my PCM 351 carb'd or EFI? I never thought to ask. Any idea on the HP of my engine assuming it's stock?

[haugy]

Actually it could be either. They still had some left-over carb'd engines then. Open up the top and look in for a carb. If it has a nice shroud cover over the intake manifold it's probably EFI.

If I remember right the 351w EFI is right at about 285-295hp.

[kvand347]

It should be carb'd and should have the horrible PRO-TEC system installed. I have the 351w HO "Pro-Boss" which puts me at 285hp. If you don't have the HO, then you will have 240hp. The way to tell is using you model # on the serial # plate attached to your engine. I've attached some pics to help.

Here is what the shroud looks like on mine that covers the carb. Mine runs better with it off.


Here is an example of a serial # plate

[kvand347]

Here's how you read your serial # plate using the example plate above: PLD-WV-R20

The L following the P indicates the ENGINE rotation. In this case, left hand rotation.

The R following the V indicates the PROP SHAFT rotation. In this case, right hand.

Now to determine HP.

If you have a model PL&RD you have the "standard" 5.8L @ 240hp (This is the one in the example)
If you have a model PL&RP you have the "Pro Boss" @285hp

Continuous RPM for either is 3600 rpm's
Max depends on which one you have. 4400 for std and 4800 for Pro Boss

89 octane min.
idle speed 650-700 rpm's

If you let me know which one, I can tell you other things...

[trayson]

Here's how you read your serial # plate using the example plate above: PLD-WV-R20

The L following the P indicates the ENGINE rotation. In this case, left hand rotation.

The R following the V indicates the PROP SHAFT rotation. In this case, right hand.

Now to determine HP.

If you have a model PL&RD you have the "standard" 5.8L @ 240hp (This is the one in the example)
If you have a model PL&RP you have the "Pro Boss" @285hp

Continuous RPM for either is 3600 rpm's
Max depends on which one you have. 4400 for std and 4800 for Pro Boss

89 octane min.
idle speed 650-700 rpm's

If you let me know which one, I can tell you other things...

I think I have the pro boss!

[trayson]

at some point I'm going to want to look at the alternator and see what amp Output it is. I plan on putting in a stereo amplifier or two and maybe some tower lights so I want to make sure I have enough capacity.

I took it out this evening for a maiden voyage, everything went pretty smooth. One thing we noticed while towing it home was that there seems to be a clunk from the trailer as we took off from a dead stop. I am wondering if this is just one of the characteristics of a trailer with Surge brakes as I have only towed trailers with electric brakes. I know we have the right two inch ball... Hmmm..

oh the one thing that we have noticed is that the stereo well sometimes cut out, I mean power like the whole Deck cuts out. the previous owner thinks its because the ground connection and I need to run the ground straight to the battery.

[haugy]

Check the surge brakes for brake fluid. But yeah, with surge brakes, get used to the clunk feeling. But if it's hammering hard then the coupler may need to be tightened a bit.

That's definitely a carb'd engine.

[chrisk]

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the community! That thing will be a beauty when you take the time to mod it a bit and make it your own.

As far as the stereo goes, don't worry about the cutting out too much. Since you say you're planning on adding a couple amps and whatnot, you're going to end up re-wiring most of the stereo setup anyway. A lot of guys (including myself) have eliminated the use of a stereo 'deck'. I did this because the only thing I use to listen to music is my phone/ipod. I plug directly into a Krypt 4200 EQ (the cheaper version of the Wetsounds WS-420). There are other options too. Just trying to give you an idea of the various changes you can make and what is to come. A cutting out stereo is probably just a loose connection and/or ground somewhere but it will be good for you to retrace all the wiring yourself so that you know the ins and outs of your own boat. Part of the joys of boat ownership!

[trayson]

What gives the pro boss another 45 HP? That is quite a bump.

[Salty87]

found this on correct craft fan site:
In 1990, PCM introduced Pro Tec - The first electronic engine management system programmed specifically for water ski towboats. Pro Tec's computer module provides engine protection and optimum performance - quicker throttle response, faster acceleration, greater top end and increased fuel efficiency. In 1992, Pro Tec was teamed with PCM's 5.8 high output engine to create Pro Boss - the most phenomenal high output inboard on the market. Thanks to the performance advantages of the Pro Tec, the Pro Boss is rated at more than 300 horsepower.