powerhead swap 88SPL

[MAW31]

I've got a 1995 Evinrude 88SPL and would like to get a larger powerhead.

I'd like to get a clear list of exactly what motors I can use to upgrade with.

I've read the 88 can swap in a 115 & 135 CrossFlow V4. (Evinrudes)
but...
Is the Johnson 120 & 140 a possible powerhead swap as well?

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Powerhead wise: If the 88SPL Evinrude is same powerhead as the Johnson 90hp...(just branded differently)

Then is it fair to say that the Evinrude 115 = a johnson-120?

...and the 135hp Rude = the 140 Johnson?

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I'm shopping for just he powerhead, can I ignore whether its a looper or cross-flow? (assuming i'd re-use the intake from the 88SPL)


Thanks Everyone.

 

[mikesea]

Re: powerhead swap 88SPL

you would only be able to swap with crossflow,the 88hp is a flatback where the 135 and 140 are bubbleback so they have different exhust configurations,i believe you can swap the exhustadapterplate under the powerhead to accomodate the powerhead you are swapping,you can play on the brp website and compare the differnt yrs and hp's for compatability,heres a link to the brp site
http://shop2.evinrude.com/ext/index.aspx?s1=bf6ad09c53cead335fcfd8a6471c0f7f

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: powerhead swap 88SPL

The old 135's and engines of that era won't adapt to your powerhead adapter. A late model 110/112/115 bubbleback of the same approximate year as your current powerhead will bolt up fine. The 120/140 engines are loopers and won't fit. Some things to watch for: the upgraded engine may have a combined fuel/oil pump, whereas your engine has the old style premix type pump-a significant difference. The upgraded engine may also have a trim relay box on the back of the powerhead-your 88 may or may not have power trim.

 

[MAW31]

Re: powerhead swap 88SPL

thank you.

I had been trying to get my head around the HP naming conventions of Evinrude and Johnson.

bottom line is that the largest bolt up is a 115 to my 1995 flatback 88 evinrude.

A powerhead upgrade from 88 to 115 would mathmatically mean a 24% increase in power which hopefully would translate into a higher top end at FOT.

For those that have upgraded themselves, did you experience an obvious and rewarding boost in power or was the benefit marginal?

I'm pushing a 1995 18' center console.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: powerhead swap 88SPL

The 115 will probably require a prop change, by at least one prop size (higher). You may find that the 88 has nearly the same grunt out of the hole, but a 115 will walk away from it at high speed, with better top end.

 

[MAW31]

Re: powerhead swap 88SPL

thx emdsapmgr. when you say prop size...you mean the pitch correct? like from a 15 to a 17. right?

i knew my 88 had lost oomph, but when I had 5 adults on board...it was more than noticable. my rpm's couldnt get past 4000 on plane. the hole shot was ok, but just didnt have it on top.

sooo here I am thinking, why rebuild the 88 head when i can rebuild a 115.

The rebuild in parts will cost some $600, the additional cost of a junked 115head needing rebuild is marginal.

Looks like i'm in the market for a 115 in disrepair...

cheers