Pros & Cons?? 1984 Evinrude GT235??

[towman2277]

Hey All, I need your advice mota'heads!! I found a GT 235 that is freshly built with "scalloped pistons" and correct heads. Are these some strong pulling, easily hopped up motors?? Any advice, good or bad desired!! I'm trying to propel a Bassboat to around 70.....:D

[dynobo]

I personally have never owned on of the 2.6 GT motors but, they are fairly rare and have mostly HI-PO stuff from the factory. I think they were crankshaft rated at about 240 hp and I'm sure are very dependable engines. With that said, unless you are getting a Super deal on it I would probably find a 90's Looper 200/225. My guess is that you are probably going to pay darn good money for a TRUE 2.6 GT and for your purposes the newer big loopers will better suit you. Plus, they are more torquey and easy to modify to get upwards of 300hp without breaking the bank. The 2.6 is a factory HOTROD engine with the go fast goodies already there where as the newer loopers are basically the same horsepower in stock low compression configuration. Also if you opt for a 91' newer looper you get the benefit of the better/faster trimand tilt system. Loopers are heavier so make sure your boat can tote the groceries before you go looking..................

[towman2277]

I appreciate the input.... I have the motor serial and model numbers, and its a "true GT 235" with all of the factory hopups. I was told by a few that as long as I keep the rpms down and prop it correct, it should hold together. Its a fresh build with all paperwork and receipts for $2500.... didn't sound too bad!?????:confused: :eek: :D

[dynobo]

2500 sounds pretty good for that motor. If you are looking at the one BIGOBASS has on e-bay it looks like a clean motor. I have never personally dealt with him but, have heard nothing but good things about him and his motors. Good luck...................

[towman2277]

Thanks for the input!! ;-)

[EMDSAPMGR]

I would check out a few things, just to verify what you are looking at. The casting plug in the top of the block should show 235 "S". It is that "s" that insures you have the right block. (Scalloped pistons, intake runner cutout and special factory porting.) The stock (high ring) pistons were problematic. If he scrapped the stock pistons during the rebuild, replacement scalloped pistons are NLA, so unless your rebuilder found some, he would have to have machined stock pistons to get the scallop. You might want to pull one of the intake covers and have a look. The engine should have the 638 and 639 heads on it. Also, it should have composite reeds. These engines were pretty well maxxed out from the factory. Not many tricks left to improve performance. Check the compression. In good (stock) shape it should run between 112-119 lbs. One power pack was unlimited, the other was a rev limiter (around 6200). Replacement packs are all 5800 limited, so check to see what is on the engine. These engines were factory rated to run up to 6000. If you want to twist it more, get a flex flywheel.

[Instigator]

and agree 100% with all info so far.

That being said, I had one and you NEED to run Hi Octange gas to make it live. This is good insurance in any of the motors though.

I replaced mine w/a stock out of the box 3.0 looper and the looper had atleast 50% more torque and was 3 MPH faster.

My 2.6 had open exhaust, porting and a nose cone.

I never went back.

Gary

[David Borg]

A very good friend of mine has one with 700 hours on it and it has never been opened/rebuilt since new. Its still running strong so far .

[jphii]

If you are looking at the one on ebay, buy it. Brad doesn't sell junk, and he stands behind his motors. His user name here is the same as on ebay, and there are several guys here that have dealt with him and been very happy.

[towman2277]

I was talking of another motor, but now that I saw the one on Ebay last night, i'm trying to get in touch with BigObass to see what it should go for...... Thats exactly what I think would work for me! Thanks all!

[THEFERMANATOR]

I've always heard that they were tough engines, but that they earned the nick name two thirsty five. I personally would look for an 88-91 3.0L looper myself.

[Forkin' Crazy]

I think the high ring motors only give problems if you run unsuitable fuel or run the timing too high. I have high ring motors that are 28 years old, and the have never had the heads off them. They still run great. My 2.6 GT I have spun it 7,000 rpms with a 29" SRX on it. There is a problem area in the RPMs that you don't want to run it in, but other than that, they are great motors. BTW the XP/GT pistons I have seen were not really a high ring, but in-between high and low. BTW both 235s I have get between 125 and 130 PSI cranking compression.

Good luck!

[towman2277]

Thanks man for your input, thanks to all! If I could get into the high 60's to 70's.... i'd feel like i'm da' man!! :D

[rude_v8]

seaway marine in seattle should have a lot of parts for that motor and could answer any questions you might have... I do know for a fact it loves fuel, however it's not to bad at cruise...
a gt should have no problem reaching 70's bassboat...