More difference in SPL motors than just VRO?

[bassboy1]

I read about the difference in cross flow and looper engines, and read somewhere that the SPL engines were cross scavenged, and the regular engines were loopers.
How much truth is in this?
Thanks, Bassboy1

 

[walleyehed]

Re: More difference in SPL motors than just VRO?

To my knowledge, the SPL engines were pre-60 degree looper vintage in most cases although the SPL's that were available after the 60 degree engines came out (in the V-series) happen to be all crossflows.
There was never anything clear on what the SPL was for sure..I've heard many rumors, yet on the new '97 115SPL I bought, it had all of the tricks any of the others had...PTNT, Cowl TNT, 9amp charge (typical of the 90 degree crossflow).
Can't say that the factory has anything, at that time, that indicated any difference...but, as I've said, some say they were cheaper models of which I disagree...Mine had everything the std 115 in the crossflow had.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: More difference in SPL motors than just VRO?

my 88 88spl has everything the 90 has except that dang VRO. i just bought a 87 and 88 48 spl.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: More difference in SPL motors than just VRO?

When the V4 spl's came out they originally didn't have power trim installed. You could order it as an "add-on" for $400 (it would come in the box but not installed). Who wouldn't buy it? A lot of dealers would order it with the motor (at 400) and then when the customer discovered the motor didn't have TNT the dealer would make him a "deal". Usually sell the unit at or near list (about 800+ at the time) and install it for "free".

Of course there were the other cosmetic or "styling" differences, no oil injection, low amp charging and so on. At the time it was almost like they wanted it to be a commercial motor. But they already had those too.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: More difference in SPL motors than just VRO?

I have the same '97 115spl that walleyehed had/has, PTNT, Cowl TNT.
I don't know about the 9 amp system though....now I gotta go check.
I always wondered what was so SPL about it.
I kinda like the fact that I mix my gas. Always been the way I had done it with other motors, so I'm accustomed to it. I can say for sure that I KNOW I'm getting the proper oil/gas ratio that way.

Dave

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: More difference in SPL motors than just VRO?

Not to mention that the 88 SPl was bullet proof. This had to be one of the finest engines I have ever owned.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: More difference in SPL motors than just VRO?

my 88 88spl has been great, but time for the boat to go. that's why i bought 2 48 spl.