'74 Johnson 70hp opinions needed

[Keyboardman]

Looking to repower my boat with a bigger engine and came across a '74 Johnson 70hp for $500. Was wondering if anyone had any opinions on this engine and if it's worth looking at. Thanks!

 

[64osby]

I have one that I have not run yet. Everyone states they are great motors for weight to HP and should push 18' and under tin hulls great.

I'm sure other will add actual results.

 

[Lake time]

i had a 1964 40 hp johnson on an 1963 14 foot mfg it got me to 25mph and also fell off and sat at the bottom of the lake for 30 min idk how i found it but got it home blew the ignition off and put oil in the cylinders and was running again that day question is it a 2 cylinder

 

[flyingscott]

For that motor i would stay 1978 and newer you can put tilt and trim on them. They also have better ignitions. I just bought today a running 1988 70 hp johnson for $500. Look at craigslist the deals are out there.

 

[Keyboardman]

Engine started right up and sounded good. I'll have to go back and check cyl compressions and lower unit for water. It says it's a Power Shift. not familiar with that. also, what would be good compression on this engine?

 

[emdsapmgr]

My 76 3 cyl had between 121 and 125 lbs compression. 49 cubic inches to make 70hp. It ran great for me for many years. My much later 96 70 hp engine has 56 cubic inches and is gangbusters out of the hole by comparison. I'm a fan of the larger cube blocks as well as the power trim feature