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70hp Johnson replacement recommendations on 16' boat needed

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sjones73

Member
Hello to all.
I am new to this site. I have a 1990 Sunbird 160 (16ft) boat with a 70hp Johnson outboard.
I would like to replace the engine with something a little more powerful. So, My question is what motor would be the best?
I am researching the weight of the 90 and 100hp Johnsons. Kind of sticking with Johnson is my goal. I don't want to break the bank on price. So, something around 2,000 would be about my limit.
Any help on this would be great. Thank you
 
In my opinion the V-4 Johson / Evinrude are great motors.----From 1980 to 1998.----But before you buy one take for a lake test.----Or do a compression test.-----If it has been rebuilt with a different style piston it is a bonus.-----Your control box in the boat is " plug and play " for the V-4 except for the last few years.----An adapter cable ( $$$ ) needed.-----Or install a terminal strip for a few coins.
 
???-----The small V-4 models all weigh about 300 LBS.----85 / 90 / 100 / 110 / 115 / 140 crossflow all weigh the same.----The big V-4 loopers 120 / 140 are a bit heavier.
 
??----A 1990 model 70 is listed at about 250 LBS.----A 1990 small V-4 model 90 / 100 / 115 HP is listed at 306 lbs.
 
RP.
That is the problem. I can't find much information about this boat.
I haven't seen a 16' Sunbird with anything over a 100hp.
That is kind of why I am looking for right around that hp.
 
Racer.
I agree and thank you.
I am a 35 year plus mechanic on heavy diesels. Boats are new to me, completely. This is my first boat ever at age 51.
Being a little careful with the hp and weight. But, want the most out of it, with reliability. Thats why I wanted to stick with the tried-and-true Johnson (from what I have read at least).
 
From the research I have done. I agree. I hear so many people having issues with the newer motors. and I like the older tech. Easier to fix when needed. That is the main reason for researching here and on line on the older (90's) Johnson/Evinrude motors.

I am thinking of pushing the boat a bit and going with the 115. We mainly only have 2 adults in the boat at a time on the lake. So, maybe I am overthinking the weight issue. I tend to do that.
 
The older 70 JohnRude (Johnson and Evinrude were pretty much the same engine painted different) was a strong 70. Power to weight- a 2 stroke Yamaha 90 is hard to beat if you can find a nice one
 
I need to see what length shaft it is first.
I think the 7hp motor I have is a 25.

Can some one explain how to measure this. Please. Sorry I am new to boating. still learning
 
Nevermind. It is a 20" long shaft.
My measurements where 22". Then I measured the actual motor.

Let me know what you guys feel about a 1998 Johnson fast strike 115.
Thank you
 
Do you know the exact model #, maybe from the Title? Here are specs I found for 1990 16' Sunbird Boats on JD Power. If you have an SPL160 its rated for a 70HP. The SPL 160 F/S, 170, 171, & 174 are all rated for a 90HP.

The 1997 FS115 is a good Looper V4. Cylinder compression should be about 105PSI on this engine. It has plastic carburetors and the fuel chambers on them tended to warp. You may want to budget for 4 new fuel chambers, carb rebuild kits, and new manifold o-rings. Your original oil tank should work with the 115 engine unless you're planning to eliminate and go to pre-mix fuel. There is an adapter for the System Check wiring harness to connect to your older harness. If you can get the harness with this engine it would be nice because you can then use a System Check tach or 2" System Check gauge.

Also, my go-to for any used outboard is a new water pump just to be 100% certain.
 
sjones73 said:
Kevinj.
It is a 1996 SPL160
Click to expand...
If USCG ratings are any concern, then you probably need to stick with a 70HP. Since the other 16' boats are rated for 90HP you might be okay, but that's a decision for you to make. I have no knowledge of those boats and whether there are any design differences between the different models that make the hulls capable of handling more HP.
 
Well after doing some digging. Found a 1987 90hp Johnson for a good price. Compression on all cylinders is 115psi. Runs good and has been stored inside.
Is this a good motor?
Thank you
 
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