is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

[Russ Preves]

Hi,

I'm considering taking my '93 120 Force off of my 18' Maxum...and replacing it with a 150 Black Max Merc..serial 5025416 (I think it's a 1978)...

Is a good idea? The compression in the Merc is 140 all around....but I know it weighs more than the 4 cyl Force....and will use more gas....

Thanks for your advice!!!

Russ

 

[emckelvy]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

That 150 will run rings around a 120 Force. Force 120's aint particularly thrifty when it comes to fuel, either! You will really appreciate the extra torque, not to mention the hi-speed performance if you need it.

That being said, the 150 is an older motor and condition is everything. At least the compression sounds good.

If the rest of the motor checks out, drop on the Phantom Black and you'll never go back!

Cheers..........ed

 

[Russ Preves]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

Thanks for that, Ed...the other issue is the cost...he wants $1400 with no controls.....is that reasonable?

And this will weigh more than the force...is that a problem?

Thanks,

Russ

 

[sschefer]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

Thanks for that, Ed...the other issue is the cost...he wants $1400 with no controls.....is that reasonable?

And this will weigh more than the force...is that a problem?

Thanks,

Russ

Weight should be right about 405 lbs I think, your Maxum should handle it. 1400.00 if its a good runner is not bad at all. Depending upon how your look at it, the lower unit and cowlings could cost you all of that alone. These are very dependable and rebuildable engines. Most parts are still available via Merc or aftermarket. The 88-91 versions go for around 2500.00 and the 92's start around 2500 and go up.

Compare it to a Force, how dare you! Seriously, if it's in good shape, it'll out run and out last your Farce without a problem.

 

[bryanwess2000]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

I don't know where your located but that's a bit pricey for my area, in winter
, in this economy. It would have to be nearly perfect. You can find mid-late
1980's bass boats with merc 150's for $1200-1800 all the time around here.

 

[Russ Preves]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

Thanks for that, I thought it was a bit pricey also...especially without controls...what I'd REALLY like is a new Optimax...

 

[coolguy147]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

id try 1k-1350$ with the controls

 

[jackd1023]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

Make a serious cash face to face offer. Hand him $800.00 cant get what you dont ask for. Good luck

 

[bryanwess2000]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

That price may be a good deal in YOUR area, but I agree with the other
guys on making an offer in person with cash in hand. These motors have
a good reputation and are a lot easier to work on than an optimax. Unless
you have to have a DFI motor for lake restrictions I'd consider an older
v6 carb engine. There's not much difference in fuel economy between the
2 at wot, 17gph for a 2.0l carb merc 150hp and 15gph for a 150hp optimax.

 

[RaScLeS]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

i think a good running 115-135hp would be good for cheap. all i hear about 150's from back then is that they are bombs

 

[Dukedog]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

I just sold a '79 very hard hittin' 150 for 800 bucks and was glad ta get THAT much. Its first generation block motor which makes it a not so retail friendly motor. But on tha other hand a GOOD one is as close ta "bullet" proof as any motor Merc ever built..............

BTW some thing ta look at on this motor. Even if tha compression checks out look for any type of water sepage all around tha edges of tha heads and water jackets on top of tha heads. This becomes a weak spot with age.

 

[Russ Preves]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

Thanks for that!!!

I'll look....do you think the 93 Force....which by then was Merc....controls will work??

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

I agree with Dog on the "bullet proof" but I would not give over $500 max for engine and trim pump. If it is a 1978 it uses a different wiring harness and contol box(large black one) a pin shift lower unit like the Inline engines,and slow remote trim system pump. The gears and clutch dog are NLA from Merc and there is no aftermarkets suppliers(housing design) and control boxes(1978) are hard to find unless you update to newer internal harness and remote control. The pump hoses are about $95 for set. I myself would would look for a later model engine...my $.02
Here is a deal !!! http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/1535800501.html
"235 Hp Evinrude. Engine runs good. Re-built one year ago. Will also give 1977 17ft Stinger Bass Boat. Boat needs some work. Has a new floor and stringers. I bought to fix up but do not have the time. Pls call with any questions ."

 

[j_martin]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

A mid to late 80's 2.4 150 is a rock solid reliable, and easy to work on engine. An XR4 set up right on that boat would probably scare you. They can be had in perfect condition for the kind of money you're talking.

my 02
John

 

[Russ Preves]

Re: is a late 70's 150 Black Max a worthwhile upgrade?

Thanks j martin....I've confirmed that this is indeed a 1978....

and that's not as good....