engine suggestions, 1800cc or 109ci

[gmjim]

First of all, disclaimer, I posted this up at BRF aswell!!
I have no idea what engines are what ci and which mod well, but i am hoping you can offer some suggestions for a suitable outboard to suit my new to me 15 foot hull. The rules here in australia allow for upto 1800ci or around 109ci maximum for this size hull.
Its a pad vee bottom and is very light (i can lift the transom end from the trailer quite easily), i will be doing mostly long river races but also some club days circuit racing, mods to engine are basically free, just needs to run a shifting case as i understand it.
I know an inline six is a good option, but i would like to know if there are any other good options?
i've only played with v6 mercs but keen to try new stuff!

295301

[Capt.Insane-o]

sst60 would be tough to beat on that.

[David]

Seems like a V4 Evinrude would be the answer. My 115HO is a beast.

[powerabout]

sst60 would be tough to beat on that.think I would back a v4 over a sst60....

[Freddie Webb]

Short shaft v4 looper 1.8 liter. If all you can find are the 2.0 liter blocks they can be resleeved to 3.5" bore which makes it 1.8 liter. You should be able to get 170hp or better.

[gmjim]

V4 sounds good!! I reckon I'll have trouble finding a short shaft over here, can the looper be put on the cross flow mids? Or can they be adapted to the sst 60 racing mids or the 850/920cc short mids?

[powerabout]

the mids are the same the adapter is the difference
only short v4 mid is the Taylor marine one I think
sst 60 completely different

[gmjim]

bugger! so if I go v4 crossflow or looper I will need to look at the taylor mid then? I really want to run a short shaft.
I have been searching s&f for info on the omc's and found the '9 pages' which are very interesting. I also found a 140 Johnson for sale cheap which is a 1981 x-flow which & apparently short shaft but I guess he means a 20" ill keep searching!!
thanks for the help!!
maybe an inline merc is easier because I can source a shortie and they are lighter, but I like the idea of getting more power from the v4!
Hey Freddie, what years are the 1.8 litre loopers? re-sleeving in Aus is expensive so I hear, I will look into it though!

[wired247]

The inlines Mercs are not any lighter. By the time you add the power trim they weigh the same or more than the Johnnyrude 140 cross flows.

[Freddie Webb]

Evinrude small bore v4 looper 1985-1987. The bore is 3.5".

[Freddie Webb]

You can have your midsection shortened by a reputable welder/machinist.