Opinions wanted...

[Chinewalker]

I just bought another project boat - a 1976 Starcraft American 18 - a sister ship for my 1974Starcraft American 15. Anyway, it isn't coming with power, so I will be looking around for something to bolt to the posterior.<br /><br />New is out - can't afford it. Old-school cross flow V4 power is a possibility, but with gas headed towards $3.00 a gallon by summer, I'd hate to have to feed one. I'm familiar with them and wouldn't have a problem finding one or building one up - just hate to have to feed one.<br /><br />So, my question is this - are the 60-degree Johnrude V4s of the early to mid 1990s any good? Does their looper design give them appreciably better fuel efficiency than their cross-flow 90-degree counterparts? How about compared to the big-block 90-degree 120 and 140 looper V4s of the late 1980s and early 1990s? My local OMC tech liked to refer to them as "Bloopers". Was that name earned?<br /><br />The boat is rated for 150, but I'm thinking in the 115-140 range, and would like to stick with Johnrude as that's what I'm most familiar with from a wrenching standpoint in the big motors, plus, I've got a Johnrude dealer just down the street.<br /><br />Opinions? Suggestions? <br /><br />Thanks in advance...<br /><br />- Scott

 

[JB]

Re: Opinions wanted...

Just my opinion, Scott, but I think the 60* loopers are far better engines than the locomotives and a lot less thirsty, too.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Opinions wanted...

Excellent motors. Powerful, light, very responsive, lots of torque. Very easy on fuel.<br /><br />Crossflow design is technology from the stone ages. OMC's 60 degree looper design is from the early 90's. 1990's, not 1890's.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Opinions wanted...

Hi Scott,I know a new Etec is out your range but if you were patient used should pop up in the future.And if they are half as good as their adds thats impressive.<br />By the way What have they said down the street about the Etecs?Any inside poop?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Opinions wanted...

And if they are half as good as their adds thats impressive.<br />

if they really are this good, why would they be for sale so soon used!?!?!<br /><br />scott, just a thought. i have a 1990 merc 90hp 3 cyl;inder that is absolutely miserly on fuel. i get an average of 5 MPG on an all day outing! and thats not at idle either. <br /><br />just something to look into <br /><br />mike

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Opinions wanted...

Thanks guys - just what I wanted to hear! I knew that the tech on the 60-degree V4s was much improved over the old cross flows, but I didn't know if it had drawn any issues. Did the 60-degree V4s have the optical sensor type ignition system used on the V6s? I changed a waterpump on one of the V6s once, which was the only time I had a chance to take a peak at one. Looked very clean & neat under the hood without all the wires and connectors found on the CFV4s. I liked that neatness aspect of it.<br /><br />Mike - I haven't ruled out going black, but there are more of the Waukegan and Milwaukee products in these parts than there are the Fond du Lacs... But, who knows, if I find the right motor...<br /><br />Thanks again!<br />- Scott