Looking for opinions please

**specboatops** · 06-17-2019, 09:26 AM

Sooo,

I have the very last G.W. Invader Tunnel/ Torpedo to ever come out of the molds. It is very solid but will need a face lift. Purchased from the original owner, she really is a neat boat - Here's my dilemma - What motor to put back on it. Currently is has the original 1974 115 Evinrude. I am and have been a Mercury guy, wanting to go with a 1500xs or 125/135 short shaft Mercury. As these are getting harder and Harder to find, and the parts for them, would I be better off throwing a 140 V4 OMC on this thing - parts are easier to get, and can probably find something nice a fair price. I know John Tiger has some nice stuff.

I want to be able to show the boat, but also want to be able to use it, not just sit on the trailer.

Opinions and thoughts are appreciated guys.

Thank You,

**JasonRS** · 06-17-2019, 10:33 AM

Personally if I were showing it, I would keep the original. Kinda cool that it has the engine it was sold with I think.

**specboatops** · 06-17-2019, 10:39 AM

Yea I guess, but a period correct inline would be pretty bad ass too - it is coming down to availability, price, and parts resource as I move forward. V4 are easy to come by and parts availability seem to be easier than that of the Mercs - truth be told I really want to put an inline on it, but they are getting harder and harder to find ( short shaft) and the ones that are out there $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

**CUDA** · 06-17-2019, 10:49 AM

Be careful with that Girl, she needs respect, if it's a 15 inch I would just freshen it up.

**XstreamVking** · 06-17-2019, 10:52 AM

The V-4 140 hp johnrudes were fairly stout. And light. Had decent power trim and can get props and parts. Put a 115 cowl on a 140 and impress everyone at how well it runs for a 115.

**CUDA** · 06-17-2019, 11:36 AM

Call John Tiger, I'm sure he can help you out if you want to make a 140, back in the 70's I ran both from what I remember the OMC's had more torque.

What you have is more of a museum piece than a play boat, easily stuff-able.

**rochelle howell** · 06-17-2019, 11:38 AM

Original.
Does your motor have factory trim?

**rock** · 06-17-2019, 12:19 PM

Chris I still have that 150xs with speedmaster and one of Ronnie's cowls.

Rock

**specboatops** · 06-17-2019, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by rock

Chris I still have that 150xs with speedmaster and one of Ronnie's cowls.

Rock

Hmmm I forgot about that - do you have a few different props by chance? how hard are those to come by?

**specboatops** · 06-17-2019, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by rochelle howell

Original.
Does your motor have factory trim?

Yes - If I knew how to post pics I would throw a few up to show you, but yes it does have trim.

**Bodhi** · 06-17-2019, 12:48 PM

True the v4's are indestructible and easy to get parts for....but the merc inline would be pretty badass. Build it however your picturing it finished in your mind, otherwise you'll never be 100% satisfied with the project.

**rochelle howell** · 06-17-2019, 03:26 PM

Factory trim is not real common on early v4 from what I've seen, and WORKING factory early trim is pretty darn RARE.
NOT having factory trim would be a reason to switch for me, personally. Not saying it won't be problematic, unreliable, or difficult to get parts or seals for....... But FACTORY trim? On ORIGINAL motor? NICE!!!!!!!
If your that concerned with hurting original motor, swap a power head and flog it. Store the original. No one's gonna check your Welch plug. Warm it up a little before installing.
Allows you to show it, AND use it.
Any way you do it, all original, swapped powerhead, mercury power or something else, cool old boats are still cool old boats.
If you show it, boat show snobs frown upon non original.

**Robby321** · 06-17-2019, 03:38 PM

My Merc (inline freak) Guru here has a chithouse IL6 parts, as complete rebuild motors. Just have to pay shipping price. The Famous Dr. Frankenmerc...

**keefallan** · 06-17-2019, 06:59 PM

Here's the best part, if you want a 140, then just take a modern 112/115 powerhead from a early/mid 90's motor. Put on 135 heads and abracadabra a 140! It will make 140 compression with those heads. The old 140 became the modern 115 when motors had to be changed to propshaft ratings for 1985. The newer 115's have the bubbleback exhaust. It just needs the heads to bring up compression. There never truly was a crossflow v4 with a 140 prop hp(in a standard motor).

Keep the old powerhead for nostalgia sake. Make it stock whenever you like. Parts are still plentiful for these motors............somewhat.