Evinrude E-TEC computer swap???

[SiLiconD17]

Hey guys, I just recently purchased a 16' aluminum semi-v that I'm converting into a flats fishing machine. I'm looking at upgrading to a new Evinrude E-TEC over the winter and had a quick thought. I was looking at the new e-tecs at a dealer by me while I was picking up a few parts and I figured that the 40/50/60hp models are exactly the same inside and out. If this is the case, then it would theoretically be possible to purchase a 40hp E-tec, and then purchase a computer for a 60hp, and your 40hp would basically be transformed into a 60hp for the price of the computer. Does this make logic to anyone else, or does anyone know if this has been done before?

I'm looking at probably purchasing a 40hp and modding it into a 50/60hp if it can be done...

 

[SiLiconD17]

Re: Evinrude E-TEC computer swap???

Anyone??

 

[CBINMN]

Re: Evinrude E-TEC computer swap???

Probably not that easy. Also would probably void the warranty on a brand new motor. If you want 60 hp buy 60hp.

 

[_brad_]

Re: Evinrude E-TEC computer swap???

You probably could, but I think you would need to have a PHD in computer science to accomplish it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Evinrude E-TEC computer swap???

Several things control HP besides displacement of the engine. In the case of DI two strokes (and four strokes for that matter), it takes an increase in fuel delivery to get the extra HP. That's controlled in part by injector pulse width which in turn is controlled by the ECM and possibly the flow rate of the injectors themselves which would carry different part numbers. I think you will find an ECM is in the high three to four figure range which would likely offset the difference in price between any of the three engines. Then there are porting and exhaust issues, timing advance curves, and intake issues to consider. If you need a 60 -- buy a 60. Don't you think the factory has this figured out? If it was easy and inexpensive to do, there would be no 60 HP engines sold -- only parts.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Evinrude E-TEC computer swap???

I'm assuming your gonna be financing that new E-tec, so the extra money for a 60hp is gonna be next to nothing when you figure in the financing, and will be equal when you figure in what you have to spend on the computer.

Why would you want to waste the time doing that instead of just buying the 60 and using your boat. Then having to wonder if you did it right and then pay somebody to fix it when you didn't, which will likely be the case.

Plus as was mentioned the 40, 50 and 60 are most likely not the same at all, not even an old carbed 115 and 135 are exactly the same, I highly doubt a DI 2 stroke will be the same with just an EMM difference.

 

[SiLiconD17]

Re: Evinrude E-TEC computer swap???

Well, being that the price difference is $1000, and if the computer costs $1000, then it wouldn't be worth it. I was just figuring that the computer would only cost a couple hundred bucks but I guess not.

I'm planning on just paying cash for the outboard; financing something like that wouldn't make a whole lot of sense.

With the new E-TECs, everything is computer controlled. I don't believe that any of the hardware on the 40/50/60 is different at all except for the computer which controls the injectors, etc. It wouldn't really make much sense to use different injectors, blocks, pistons, etc on these newer outboards when everything is controlled by the computer nowadays. I understand that with older outboards they used different exhaust manifolds, carburetors, etc, but those were not entirely computer controlled either like the newer outboards are.

I wouldn't be too bothered to void the warranty as I've heard that these new Evinrudes are extremely reliable. I guess if the computer unit part would cost $1000, I'll be better off just going with a 50hp or 60hp. I currenty have a 40hp Yamaha carb'd 2 stroke (3 cylinder). Do you guys think it's going to make a huge improvement in power to go with the E-TEC?

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Evinrude E-TEC computer swap???

Well, being that the price difference is $1000, and if the computer costs $1000, then it wouldn't be worth it. I was just figuring that the computer would only cost a couple hundred bucks but I guess not.

I'm planning on just paying cash for the outboard; financing something like that wouldn't make a whole lot of sense.

With the new E-TECs, everything is computer controlled. I don't believe that any of the hardware on the 40/50/60 is different at all except for the computer which controls the injectors, etc. It wouldn't really make much sense to use different injectors, blocks, pistons, etc on these newer outboards when everything is controlled by the computer nowadays. I understand that with older outboards they used different exhaust manifolds, carburetors, etc, but those were not entirely computer controlled either like the newer outboards are.

I wouldn't be too bothered to void the warranty as I've heard that these new Evinrudes are extremely reliable. I guess if the computer unit part would cost $1000, I'll be better off just going with a 50hp or 60hp. I currenty have a 40hp Yamaha carb'd 2 stroke (3 cylinder). Do you guys think it's going to make a huge improvement in power to go with the E-TEC?

OK, let's assume the computer was a few hundred dollars, rather than $1000, making your "upgrade" a few hundred dollars cheaper than just buying a 60 hp vs a 40.

You would void a warranty for saving a few hundred dollars? Just because "you've heard" that the new etecs are reliable? That in itself makes no sense to me. Paying good money for a new engine and then immediately voiding the warranty on the blind hope you won't have any problems. If you don't need or want a warranty, why not just buy a used engine of the HP you want?

Again, assuming the computer costs a few hundred, add to that the time you spend figuring out what you need, installing parts, adjusting, troubleshooting, etc. ... you wouldn't have any significant savings at all, unless your time has no value at all.

Do you base your assumption of no differnce other than the computer on anything other than a hunch? To me it makes no sense that the computer and decals would be the only differences - to me it seems more logical that an engine that is putting out more HP would also differ in some physical factors. But maybe your research has shown otherwise?

By the way, I totally agree with you on not financing something like this. I can never understand people who would go into debt for a piece of recreational equipment. But that's just me (and you!)