115 Johnson crossflow v. 120 Johnson looper, gimme your 2cents worth...

[dfrants]

Looking to repower my 1995 17' Nitro bass boat. found a 1983 115 Johnson that's been rebuilt and has a 30 day warranty or a 1987 Johnson 120 that's been babied and has even compression(around 125# in each hole). what are the pros and cons of the two? I know the 120 is a lot heavier and heard that they actually produce 126hp...anyone have any experience with these???

 

[Faztbullet]

If the 1983 has the pot belly exhaust go with it. The 87 120 is a small bore looper and has a cooling system that parts are NLA for but can be updated. A 89 or newer model would be a better choice...

 

[racerone]

An 83 115 does not have the " dolly parton " exhaust set up.-----The 83 115 in good condition or properly rebuilt is a simple and smooth running engine.----The 87 is prop rated horsepower I believe.

 

[jimmbo]

1985 was the year OMC switched to prop rating, at least on engines above 25 hp
1987 was the last year for the 110 cubic inch 120 looper, in 88 it was increased to 122cu.in.(2 liter). I do recall for the first few years of the 120 looper there were numerous updates to deal with bogging/stalling on acceleration

 

[dfrants]

just double checked with the owner and the 120 lopper is a 1988, the boat its on is a 1987.

 

[jimmbo]

A prop rated 122 in looper is more powerful than the 99.6 in. crossflow
Get a model # just to be sure it is an 88