early 90's 115 hp bubble back

[kalla man]

I was looking at a early 1990's johnson 115 HP "bubble-back" for my second boat. My current rig has the tride and true johnson/rude 115 HP (mid 80's) that I wouldnt trade for anything...cheep parts, easy to work on, and dependable. What im wondering is if the bubble back has the same reputation, as far as dependability. I know its exactly the same motor, except for the exhaust manifold, but I was curious what you guys think.

I hear they have a little more power from the pre-1990 motors due to the HP rating rule change, is this true?

Thanks,
Kalla man

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: early 90's 115 hp bubble back

You'll have the same good reliability from the newer 115 that you have with the older one. The old flatback engine is crankshaft rated horsepower. The new one is a bubble back-slightly detuned 140, with the hp rated at the prop. There is a noticeable difference between these ratings. The newer one will make more hp with the propshaft rating.