Best years of 115

[mobilef]

I gonna be shopping soon for a older 115 and was wondering the best years to get and which years to stay away from... Thanxs in advance.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Best years of 115

How old do you want to go? In 74 they increased the size of some of the bearings, thus the 73s and earlier had some troubles. In 73 they ditched the hydro-electric shifting and switched to a hydro-mechanical design. Somewhere around 77 or 78 they scrapped the hydro-mechanical shift and went to a plain mechanical shift. During the 70s and 80s various ignition systems were used each with its own problems. The 1969 and 1970 models were 96.1 cu.in. blocks, the 1973 and later were 99.6 c.in. In 95 or 96 the 60 degree blocks were introduced.

 

[duck64]

Re: Best years of 115

Originally posted by jimmbo:<br /> How old do you want to go? In 74 they increased the size of some of the bearings, thus the 73s and earlier had some troubles. In 73 they ditched the hydro-electric shifting and switched to a hydro-mechanical design. Somewhere around 77 or 78 they scrapped the hydro-mechanical shift and went to a plain mechanical shift. During the 70s and 80s various ignition systems were used each with its own problems. The 1969 and 1970 models were 96.1 cu.in. blocks, the 1973 and later were 99.6 c.in. In 95 or 96 the 60 degree blocks were introduced.

 

[duck64]

Re: Best years of 115

made a mistake, mine is a 96 johnson 90 degree i'm told. are they good motors.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Best years of 115

The new 90 deg are turque monsters, Strong Motors

 

[mobilef]

Re: Best years of 115

The 70's or 80's years are fine...plus they were probaly better built then huh.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Best years of 115

The 120, 130, 135 and 140 V4 loopers loopers are indeed torque monsters. They started showing up in 1985. The 60 degree 90 and 115 are lighter than the 90 degree looper and real snappy. They were born in 1995. The crossflows are old technology but very well proven thru the years.<br /><br />Tough decision.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Best years of 115

Really all of them from 1969 on up can be good motors, it more depends on the condition of the particular one you're looking at. Obviously a newer one has a better chance of being low hours.<br /><br />As has been said, from 1969-72 they have hydro-electric shift and a battery CD ignition - both of which can be a bit difficult to get parts for.<br />There isn't a real strong basis for choice between the various flavors of 115 from 1973 on, IMHO, just the gradual improvement in condition due to the fact that you're dealing with a newer motor. All the 1973+ crossflow V4s are good strong reliable units.<br /><br />My first choice would actually be a 1986 or newer 88/90hp. The horsepower ratings were changed in 1986, and the old 115 flatback became the new 88/90hp. Just the right level of tune to be strong but still reliable - in fact I think the horsepower rating is a bit of a 'sleeper'.<br /><br />The older 85hps (1980 and older) are de-tuned so much that you do lose some usable top-end horsepower.

 

[JB]

Re: Best years of 115

To Outboard Non-Repair