Re: 70's Lean Mean Machine
The Mean Machines were all three cylinder, and also designated "Stingers". They started at 65 hp, went to 70, then 75. The first year for the 75 was 1976, which was also the last year of the bright orange paint scheme. In '77 they went to white with a special decal set to place it apart from the regular models...
Short shaft (15-inch) models had some tuning differences due to the smaller expansion chamber in the exhaust housing. Also had a smaller diameter gearcase. Long shaft (20-inch) models were service motors, nearly identical to the standard Johnson models. On years where the top model was a 65 or 70, it was identical. On years where both a 70 and 75 were offered, the Stinger got the 75 designation. 75s typically lacked a bit in the low end grunt compared to the 70, but had better top end...
- Scott
