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Sea-doo GTX 1999-2002 | Carb vs DI vs RFI

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I've have the option to buy a 1999 GTX Limited or a 2000 GTX DI. I've also heard people like the RFI edition. So my question is what are major difference in performance, maintenance cost, and time for maintenance. (I would be fixing the issues myself)
 
The DI skis are great when they are working correctly. When they aren't they are an expensive nightmare.
WHatever you buy you are going to have to do a good maintenance on it and if it has carbs (1999 GTX Limited) that means a full carb and fuel system service for about $250 if you DIY.
 
DI uses a LOT less fuel, I have had both DI and carb. I loved the DI, instant starts, excellent fuel economy, smooth running, very little smoke when running, etc. However, if you want a reliable ski then you should be looking at newer 4 stroke skis.
 
Excuse my lack of knowledge regarding Direct Injection and carburetors, but could you not tune them to be nearly as fuel efficient as a DI?
 
No, because it's not only a 2 stroke, but also carbs cannot adjust for air pressure/temp/etc.

How in depth of an explanation do you want :) we can get into engine temp, air temp, manifold pressure, carbs 'inject' (well, the engine sucks in) the air/fuel/oil below the pistons into the crank. where the DI would only inject above the piston. resulting in less fuel going out the exhaust. and no fuel going into the crank...

I'm no expert, there's way more to it than I'll ever know... but I do enjoy learning about engines... even though they are old school lol.

DI/EFI/Etc is better. period. however, these aren't brand new any more. These parts are 20 years old. the fuel pump ($$) the injectors, computers, etc. all 20+ years old... If you got 20 years out of anything, you did good.

However, carb ones are easier to work on, cheaper to fix, and mechanically simpler, thus usually more reliable. The actual fuel save, I can't image being more than a few bucks a season, and that's if you run a lot...

if you like learning about car parts, this guy has some good videos
https://www.youtube.com/user/EngineeringExplained/videos
Also, you posted Carb 951 vs. 951 DI, but you also referenced the RFI. (DI and RFI are not the same).

The RFI skis were 787s, and I am told they are fairly reliable. I believe they were 110HP.
The DI ones, not as much. (well, not after 20 years).
 
The fuel consumption of the carb models is significantly more than DI. The parts are expensive for DI, and you should not buy any 20+ year old ski if you cannot afford to pay someone else to fix it. You do not hear about the problem free DI skis, people only tell you about the problems they've had with them
 
Does anyone know the performance difference between a 99 gtx ltd and 00 gtx di?
I have owned 951 XP's carb and Di. The carb ones accelerated harder and had a slightly higher top speed, used about 40% more fuel, and can be modified.
The Di ran nice and used less fuel. When it broke life REALLY sucked. My two cents. Good luck!
 
I restored a RX DI and that sumbish flew. :D I freakin loved it but you gotta be good mechanical to own one. Nobody wants to work on them. I still haven't made a rig to test the fuel and air pressure.

I am kinda partial to the RFI. Simpler and parts more available than the DI and nowhere near as finicky as carbs. That means the ladies and girly men can't flood them or forget to turn the fuel ON or switch to reserve. :D
 
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