96 Johnson 88hp SPL or 89 Johnson 100hp GT ?

Hey guy's I'm replacing my outboard with a rebuilt Johnson. I'm deciding between a 1996 Johnson 88 HP SPL or a 1989 Johnson 100 HP GT. Any suggestions on which one I should go for? I don't have much knowledge on Johnson and just know that they are the more reliable ones. I have a 1986 procraft 16.5 bass boat which I think its max HP is 120 but not sure. I'm pretty sure 12 HP difference between the two wouldn't matter much but I just want a reliable motor. Does any one know if the 96 Johnson 88HP SPL is a oil injected or premix?

Here's the ad I found on craigslist http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/bod/2994423336.html

I already contacted the seller, but I need help deciding on which one to get.

I'm still debating about this one also but it's kind of out of my price range.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/bod/3007289521.html

Help me decide...thanks guys

Re: 96 Johnson 88hp SPL or 89 Johnson 100hp GT ?

I had an '88 88hp spl it was a great motor those v4s are work horses. I would go with the 88, its newer, and I dont think you will see alot of difference in the 12 horses. That 88 is premix.

Re: 96 Johnson 88hp SPL or 89 Johnson 100hp GT ?

The 88/90/100 are all the same long block. The carbs are larger on the 100, so it will make more hp. You won't notice the difference till you get over 4000, when the 100 will slowly pull away from the 88/90.

Re: 96 Johnson 88hp SPL or 89 Johnson 100hp GT ?

they are both great motors if they are in good mechanical condition. I would hold out for a 115 though, but that is just because I like as much HP as possible when comparing HP to weight. 115 is same block as the 88 and the 100. I never seen a 100 GT before, only the late 80s 150 GTs, they were great motors.

Re: 96 Johnson 88hp SPL or 89 Johnson 100hp GT ?

Yea at the price range and trade of my current motor I'm leaning towards the 96 Johnson 88 SPL. What about the 4 stroke? Any experience with that motor? Thanks guys...I'll test them out when I'm over there.

Re: 96 Johnson 88hp SPL or 89 Johnson 100hp GT ?

the 4 strokes are just plain heavy, great for idling and trolling, but not much difference at top end. I would go for the 100 GT, I know the 150 GTs had about %10 more HP than advertised, so it should be pushing about 110, but I have seen some of those 85s/88s/90s that could keep up with a 100 HP, but probably not a 115. I stay away from any EFI outboard

Re: 96 Johnson 88hp SPL or 89 Johnson 100hp GT ?

How about this one.. http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/2965878753.html

I have a guy that is rebuilding a 115 for me in the area, but I would seriously consider this one..

Re: 96 Johnson 88hp SPL or 89 Johnson 100hp GT ?

The engine in the last ad is probably a 1977 model. Nothing wrong with the age-if overhauled correctly. These were strong engines in their day. This engine appears to have some nice paint detailing for it's age and it has the control box too. The power trim system on this engine used a trim solenoid which was mounted separately, under the rear spashwell of the boat. Make sure you get that part of the trim system if you purchase the engine. I'd check the casting plug on the top of the powerhead to see if it matches the serial tag on the transom bracket to make sure it's not an 85 with 115 decals.

Re: 96 Johnson 88hp SPL or 89 Johnson 100hp GT ?

Rogerwa...yea that motor was also on my list too, but I would like to go with a newer motor. I also found a couple Yamahas...an 89 70 HP and 85 90 HP...just made a some arrangement to go both the 88 Johnson SPL and Yamahas.

Thanks for all your input guys.

Re: 96 Johnson 88hp SPL or 89 Johnson 100hp GT ?

The guy selling the yamahas is also the one doing the rebuild on the 115 I believe. He seems to have a side business rebuilding Johnson and Evinrudes. If you are looking for something else he may have something in the works depending on your timing..