2015 Axis - Crusader Engines vs Indmar

[Ridebutter]

2015 is the first year for Crusader engines in the Axis lineup. Coming from Nautiques over to Axis, I couldn't be happier. I'm not saying its better than Indmar, I'm just more familiar with Pleasurecraft product.

I noticed a few differences and was just curious about everyone else's thoughts on the matter.

Transmission/Gearbox

Indmar: ZF Ski Vee

Crusader: Pleasurcraft Power Plus

Alternator

Indmar: 90A

Crusader: 100A

Anyone know of any other differences at least on the 5.7L model?

[elc]

pretty sure the biggest change is the gear ratio. the crusador should get out of the hole better when weighted the same.

[UpperleftWake]

Engine Options for Axis Wake Research via PCM:

Monsoon 350 5.7L CAT with 1.72:1 gear ratio

Monsoon 410 6.0L CAT with 1.48:1 gear ratio

Monsoon 450 6.0L HO CAT with 1.72:1 gear ratio

Monsoon 555 6.2L / LSA Supercharged with 1.48:1 gear ratio

[AJWest]

I'd love to hear that 555 motor

[Ridebutter]

I have been in a couple G23s with the 550 motor, it is very impressive, it would make an Axis a rocket since it weighs less and the hull is more efficient. Does anyone have the gear ratios from the Indmar motors? Just trying to compare 2014 to 2015, will the torque prop still be the best fit, what will we lose on top end?

I did like my PCM Power Plus gear box in my Nautique, it was quiet and smooth, I look forward to having that on my 2015 A22.

[UpperleftWake]

I have been in a couple G23s with the 550 motor, it is very impressive, it would make an Axis a rocket since it weighs less and the hull is more efficient. Does anyone have the gear ratios from the Indmar motors? Just trying to compare 2014 to 2015, will the torque prop still be the best fit, what will we lose on top end?

I did like my PCM Power Plus gear box in my Nautique, it was quiet and smooth, I look forward to having that on my 2015 A22.

Gear Ratio's for 2015 Malibu Boats lineup:

Monsoon 350 5.7L CAT, 1.46:1 gear ratio.

Monsoon 410 6.0L CAT, 1.46:1 gear ratio.

Monsoon 450 6.2L/LS3 CAT, 1.46:1 gear ratio, closed cooled.

Monsoon 555 6.2L/LSA Super Charged, 1.46:1 gear ratio.

[Ridebutter]

With the gear ratio change, is the torque prop still the ACME 2315?

With the gear ratio going from 1.46 to 1.72 that is going to be a significant increase in RPMs.

[jwl019]

Wouldn't that be the equivalent of using a 1615 with the new gear ratio? Possibly even the 1235 would work the same as the 2315 with the old gear ratio.

[Ridebutter]

I'm not sure, the 2315 is a 15" prop and the 1615 and 1235 are 14.5" with more pitch.

I wonder if I should be using a 2249 or something like that??? I like the 40mph top end and being able to move 4000# of ballast with a small block. (not at the same time) Is that too much to ask?

[SomeYeahoo]

Wait, I'm lost. Axis and Malibu are using the exact same engines but using different gear ratios for 2015? Why is the 350/450 1.72 with Axis but not Malibu?

[shawndoggy]

No they are not using the same engines. Axis is using crusader (PCM division), Malibu is using indmar. In both 350s, each marinizer starts with a GM 5.7L SBC, then hangs its own marinizing parts (intake, exhaust, raw water pump, plumbing, etc) and trans.

The PCM/Crusader/Axis 450 is a slightly tweaked 6.0; the Indmar variant is the GM 6.2L LS3. TOTALLY different motors in that case.

[AJWest]

No they are not using the same engines. Axis is using crusader (PCM division), Malibu is using indmar. In both 350s, each marinizer starts with a GM 5.7L SBC, then hangs its own marinizing parts (intake, exhaust, raw water pump, plumbing, etc) and trans.

The PCM/Crusader/Axis 450 is a slightly tweaked 6.0; the Indmar variant is the GM 6.2L LS3. TOTALLY different motors in that case.

This is correct. Axis = PCM and Malibu = Indmar for 2015

[elc]

I am guessing the 550 axis option is still the indmar engine. is this correct?

[shawndoggy]

I am guessing the 550 axis option is still the indmar engine. is this correct?

I think it's the PCM version of the LSA.

[skicrave]

PCM is providing all of the power for Axis, including the 550HP LSA.

As far as props go, on the 350 and 450 with the 1.78:1 ratio, you'll typically want to drop down one "step" from where you would be with a 1.5:1. That means we recommend a 1235 on the A20, A22 and T22, and a 2247 on the A24 and T23. If you have the 410 or 550 everything is the same as last year.

[AJWest]

PCM is providing all of the power for Axis, including the 550HP LSA.

As far as props go, on the 350 and 450 with the 1.78:1 ratio, you'll typically want to drop down one "step" from where you would be with a 1.5:1. That means we recommend a 1235 on the A20, A22 and T22, and a 2247 on the A24 and T23. If you have the 410 or 550 everything is the same as last year.

Why would you recommend a less aggressive prop for an equally powered, bigger, and heavier T23 and A24?

[shawndoggy]

prolly means 2419?

[Technicallyabu]

I think its funny how they reduced the gear ratio on the PCM 450 to deceive people into thinking its more engine then it is and comparable to the LS3.

Skicrave has the right idea. The PCM 350 with the 1.78 can spin a higher pitch prop and achieve the same performance as the Indmar 350 with the 1.47 on the same hull. I don't think the same applies to the 450 though for the reason above. The 450 isn't going to offer appreciably more performance than the 400. Not where it counts anyways.

[skicrave]

Um, the 450 DOES have the 1.78 ratio, so that's actually the sweet spot for engine upgrades as far as I'm concerned. Compared to the LS3 with the 1.46:1, the 450 will "feel" almost identical in terms of performance every where except for at extreme altitude, were the NA motor suffers much more than the forced induction model.

[Technicallyabu]

Im well aware that the 450 has the 1.78. Im implying the PCM 450 is less engine than the LS3. Its a 6.0L engine claiming 450 hp where the LS3 is a 6.2L engine claiming the same. The PCM needs the reduction in gear ratio to "feel" the same as the LS3 with the same pitch prop. A gear reduction isn't some miracle HP multiplier.

[skicrave]

AH! Sorry my bad, I read that wrong.

Too bad none of these manufacturers will release torque curves, as that's obviously where the answer lies.