'83 Johnson 235 -VS- '85 Johnson 275

[ob1jeeper]

Have a couple questions for anyone with any experience with these motors.<br /><br />Besides the obvious of the 235 being a V6, and the 275 being a V8, and the 40HP difference, does anyone have any experiences with, the comparitive durability of these two motors?<br /><br />Also, I'll be installing one of these two on a 23ft CC Mako, (probably using a 15x17P SS 3-blade) and was wondering if anyone could provide a reasonable estimate of what the difference in fuel use would be at an approx. 30-32 mph cruise speed? (my experience with the "dearly-departed" 235, was that it would cruise 30-32 at approx 4000 rpm... pretty nicely, but was a shade short on power, when fully loaded, and needed a 15x15 prop to make up for it ...)<br /><br />If $$'s were no object, I'd be opting for a new 225(+) DFI, or perhaps a new 4-stroke EFI... HOWEVER... Dreams are for Disneyland, and reality says that these are two possibilities, which fit within my budget at this moment in time...

 

[Dhadley]

Re: '83 Johnson 235 -VS- '85 Johnson 275

There is no comparing a looper to a crossflow. The looper makes a bunch more torque than a cf. Not to mention the 235 was flywheel rated (and a little optimistic) and the V8s are prop shaft rated (and possibly conservative).<br /><br />You will talk to a lot of people who do not like the V8s. Personally I love them. They must be fed and set up properly. No restrictions in the fuel delivery system - 3/8" ID hose, nothing other than straight fittings on the tank and filter (no anti-siphon valve) and no couplers or unions.<br /><br />Set it up to turn 5500 and you will be terribly disappointed. The rev limiter is either at 6200 or 6700 depending on which pack it has. <br /><br />The 20" models are actually 23". The 25" models are actually 28" long.<br /><br />Yes it will burn more fuel per hour. Yes the boat will cruise faster. You should burn the same or possibly slightly less fuel per trip simply because you get there sooner (depending on how the boat was set up with the cf).<br /><br />A 275 on a 23 Mako is a great ride. <br /><br />Keep us posted and good luck!

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: '83 Johnson 235 -VS- '85 Johnson 275

Dhadley... Thanx, Most informative, and you are correct. I'd previously recieved a couple of pretty strong opinions about NOT using a V8. BUT...I just can't help myself for at least LOOKING!! Boys will be boys, we're ALWAYS looking for more ponies!! Thanx for the info & your thoughts.<br /><br />A couple more questions please. You indicated to not set up a 275 to turn 5500, then indicated the "pack" (I assume you mean ign module?) has either a 6200 or 6700 rev limiter built in... Would I be correct in translating this to mean, you suggest the 275 motor be "propped" for either a WOT of 6000, or 6500 (approx. 200 under whichever the rev limiter is pre-set)?<br /><br />Also, with a 2" difference in shaft length, I assume, that means I should either afix a Jacking Plate, or somehow raise the transom, to offset this difference in length? Any thoughts or preferences on how to best accomplish this?<br /><br />One last question. Would you happen to know the charging system output amps for the 275's? Just before my 235 "departed this world", I had just upgraded to the 35 amp "GT" set up to handle the electronics and other gadgets I've added, since purchasing the Mako, and certianly don't want to go less than that.<br /><br />Thanx again... Obiwan Jeeper

 

[Dhadley]

Re: '83 Johnson 235 -VS- '85 Johnson 275

Now you got me thinking about a V8 for my 222 Aquasport!<br /><br />Yes, set it up to turn 6000 or so with an average load. The motor is much happier and will live longer.<br /><br />Being 3" longer its very common to see a "20 inch" V8 on a 25" transom. Nothing bad - just be aware that they are a little longer tha a V6. Many times it works out that the old motor was a 25" and the replacement V8 is a 20" and everything works out OK.<br /><br />If its a standard rotation powerhead it should be a 35 amp system. Second Effort made some counter rotating motors that the powerhead actually ran backwards. Those had a 10 amp charging system. <br /><br />Some V8s also had power steering. Again a neat deal especially when hooked to hydraulic steering. Those had a pump mounted on the starboard side of the block and a cylinder hooked to the steering arm connected with hoses to the pump.<br /><br />The 1985 V8s were 3.6 liter but could be bored out as far as 4.0 liter. If it has a replacement powerhead it may well have a 4.0 on it now. Both are (in my opinion) good motors.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: '83 Johnson 235 -VS- '85 Johnson 275

Dhadley... Thanx again for the info. The motor I'm looking into was formerly a 275 (stickers are still on the motor), but reportedly has been recently re-powered with a 4.0L pwr head. Would that increase, make it equivalent to the 300 HP V8's?<br /><br />It's reported to be a 25" motor, (which is what my "departed" 235 is already) so unless you have better suggestions, it appears I'd better plan on adding a Jacking Plate, or modifying the transom. Any preferences or suggestions on which of these is better, least costly, easier, or ??<br /><br />And it appears I'd better make sure of the rotation, as I hadn't thought about asking which it is.<br /><br />It's pretty cool to be able to "converse" with experienced "OB" folks, who aren't looking to sell you something, in return for the assistance, especially so, as I'm not what you could call a highly experienced OB owner.<br /><br />Thanx Again, Obiwan Jeeper

 

[Dhadley]

Re: '83 Johnson 235 -VS- '85 Johnson 275

The manual jackplate is probably a good idea and by far the simplist way to do what you need to do. You wont even have to drill new mounting holes. I like the plates from Bobs Machine. The 6" is convertible to many configurations. Check out his website. There are many other makes out there and most are good. I like the idea of making adjustments very easily to dial in the set up. If you end up calling Bob's, tell him I said hello.<br /><br />As far as the power goes you will still have at least 275 hp if they used the 275 carbs and throttle plates. On your Mako I doubt you would see any significent difference between the 275 and a 300. You will however, be impressed compared to the 235.<br /><br />Keep us informed. Good luck!

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: '83 Johnson 235 -VS- '85 Johnson 275

Dhadley... Once again my hats off to you for your counsel, and thoughts. And you are correct, Bob's has some impressive stuff at his shop. What ever motor I end up going with, I'll be adding one of his jack plates, so I can "tune" the motor to my hull.<br /><br />Got another question if you don't mind. In terms of power, how would you compare the '85 Johnson 300 -VS- an Evinrude '97 Ocean Pro 200? Is the 200 anywhere close to being near the same "REAL" HP of the 300?<br /><br />Why? Obviously the 200 is MUCH newere,and a '97 200 has become available, and is priced pretty close to the the 300.<br /><br />Thanx again... Obiwan Jeeper

 

[Dhadley]

Re: '83 Johnson 235 -VS- '85 Johnson 275

The 200 had an average dyno hp a tad over 200 but is not close (in hp) to the V8. The newer V6 will have more bottom end response but the V8 is still 75 hp or so more on top. <br /><br />Both are loopers and create a good torque curve. One thing in favor of the V6 is the availability of certian parts vs the V8.<br /><br />You still will be impressed over the older motor you had. <br /><br />The 97 has the late style harness so a new harness or an adaptor is needed. You can opt for the newer style gauges also. Make sure you get the cost for these in a complete rigging estimate. Just curious, what is the motor going for? Is it used or rebuilt? Did the price include rigging?<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: '83 Johnson 235 -VS- '85 Johnson 275

Dhadley... Both motors are reported to have recently re-built power heads. The V8 is a saltwater motor, with less than 10 hours since re-build. The V6 is a freshwater motor with 0 hours since redone. Both are in the $3500-$4000 range, NEITHER quoted with any rigging equipment.<br /><br />Do you know if there are any "reasonably available" sources of printed (or on-line) HP & Torque curve info available on these motors?<br /><br />Thanx again for all your advise. Obiwan Jeeper

 

[Dhadley]

Re: '83 Johnson 235 -VS- '85 Johnson 275

I dont know of any printed power curves. Im just going by what I have seen on the dyno personally. <br /><br />The price seems about right depending on what the motors look like. We have a 1997 200 with a fresh p/h (all new .020 pistons - has not been run). We have it for sale rigged on a boat with the new harness, set up, tested and with a new SS prop for 5500.00 (trades welcome). <br /><br />I think you will be happy with either. Just get an "out the door" final price.<br /><br />Good luck!