OMC Looper v4/v6 Rod question

**Revenge22** · 01-19-2021, 10:19 PM

I'm about to tear into a nice 2001 135hp looper Evinrude . Bought it for the powerhead to put on a 1987 midsection. Cyl #2 detonated (mild) with #4 heavily scored. good thing its all standard bore, but will need those 2 rods replaced. Anyone know the difference or the best/strongest rods to get? I ask because I see 2 different styles as shown below. the one with the fat little end seems like it would be stronger, or should I just stick with the stock ones from the v4/v6's?

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**H2OPERF** · 01-19-2021, 10:49 PM

Those are 90 degree rods you have a 60 degree ...smaller rods.

**Revenge22** · 01-19-2021, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by H2OPERF

Those are 90 degree rods you have a 60 degree ...smaller rods.

its a 90 degree looper v4. 2 liter. same motor as the later 130hp. only year BRP made it after taking over OMC. you are thinking of the later Ficht 135 v6.

**H2OPERF** · 01-20-2021, 07:17 AM

I don't Remember it ever being a 135 only a 120/130/140, quess they snuck it in there in some late year, odd they made the 135 v6 at the same time is it a commercial motor?. Anyway... you would want the rods on the right or etec G2 rods if you plan on pumping it up.

**H2OPERF** · 01-20-2021, 07:45 AM

Ah.. looked it up you have a johnson and they made the 135 60deg v6 an evinrude that year year. They must have had a bunch of leftover parts and made it one last year to get rid of it all LOL...

**Revenge22** · 01-20-2021, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by H2OPERF

Ah.. looked it up you have a johnson and they made the 135 60deg v6 an evinrude that year year. They must have had a bunch of leftover parts and made it one last year to get rid of it all LOL...

hey thanks for the info! yeah its a real unicorn. bizarre why they would completely change the upper and lower cowlings for only 1 year. these changes on the lower cowlings did remove the anti-siphon gizmo, however, but made it butt-ugly in the process. i did read these are great because BRP went through all the old castings/leftovers by OMC and scrapped a whole bunch that didn't pass inspection. The extra 5 hp must just be marking.
On to the rod: the one on the right is from a later 90 degree 225. the one on the left is the stock rod. the one from the 225 looks a bit stronger, so should be good to use correct? just want to confirm more info before pulling the trigger on a complete set.

**MattGreen** · 01-20-2021, 09:12 PM

Either the "big" or "little" rods will work fine in your application. Pick whichever you have more readily available. Yeah those 135s looked cool - rare motor.

Matt