Re: asking for you thoughts on a 71 100hp
Not meaning to put you down in any way, but after reading many questions/threads from Australia, I have come to the conclusion that motors down there are generally in pretty crappy condition. The motor in question was state of the art in 1971, but this is 2010 and by today's standards the '71 had a poor ignition system. The worst part was the distributor, not the breaker points. Newer motors don't have a distributor. Also, the amplifier is easy to damage (destroy) and expensive to replace.
We had an awful lot of spun water pump impellers back in those days, resulting in burnt-up powerheads. If the paint is discolored on the cylinder block, forget it. Unless somebody has rebuilt it. I repainted any that I ever rebuilt.
I guess it all boils down to the condition. If poor, it will be a money pit for sure.