4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

[mdegood]

Question for all you motor heads. With all the new 4 strokes hitting the market are they really any better, less maintenance, more reliable than the good ole 2 stroke? Also hp to hp do you need the same size 4 stroke as the 2 stroke that is being replaced? I ask this because were getting a new cc in the next 30-60 days and I want to get the best powerplant I can for the $$$. Will gladly read everyones input on this. <br />Thanks,

 

[CKJR]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

mdegood use the search function for this board, there is alot of reading about this topic.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

Do a search on this board. This topic (a firestorm of debate) has been discussed at length before.

 

[tscott]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

Just remember if you get a 4-stroke,you are adding about 150lbs. more weight on the transom than a 2-stroke.<br />Thats if your getting a 150-200hp.<br /><br />It can make a difference in the ride.<br /><br />Tom

 

[JB]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

Unless you get a Suzuki/Johnson 140 4 stroke. They weigh less than comparable power 2 strokes.<br /><br />Every "rule" has its exceptions.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

I like the proven power and reliability of a 2 stroke. Im pretty consertive and there are just<br />too many moving parts in a 4 stroke.<br />Without guestion they are heavier than most<br />2 strokes.To the plus they are generally cleaner<br />quieter, smoother and somewhat less thirsty than a 2 stroke.Even allowing for 2 stroke oil I<br />feel the 4 stroke is more costly to maintain.<br /> I think the 2 stroke developes its power over a<br /> more productive curve.<br /> If I was buyimg today I would take a close look<br /> at both but pretty sure I would end up with a 2 stroke.

 

[manitoba1]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

Steelespike:<br />When I was purchasing a replacement for my 2 stroke I took a long hard look at the specs and torque curves from the repective manufactures in regard to 4 strokes. The EFI 4 stroke Suzuki 70 hp I was looking at had a smoother torque curve and better acceleration than comparable sized Suzuki 2 stroke. Having bought and operated the motor for a few years now, I found it's one of the strongest accerating engines in that size class I've operated (even compared to 2 strokes). My friends have operated my boat and also have larger 2 strokes can't believe the Suzuki's torque and acceleration. Indead they have said it performs better than their's. One owns a 140 johnson on a 18ft fiberglass and the other has an 88 spl evinrude on a 16ft fiberglass. Their boats are propped for skiing in case you were wondering. I'm sure JB can verifly the performance of this engine. Although I can't comment on long term costs of operating this engine my gas and oil savings are very significant. Maybe, if and when engines like the Evinrude E-tec come out then perhaps the 4 stroke economy won't be such an issue. By the number of Opti Merc and Evinrude-Ficht blown power heads I read on this board I would say the 4 strokes have them beat in reliablility. Sure many of the old carbed 2 strokes are relatively reliable but many are also smoking, polluting gas pigs and that fact can't be disputed.

 

[imported_Paul_H]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

Even though I'm a died in the wool two stroke nut, I find the comment about 4 strokes being less reliable due to the # of moving parts to be somewhat humorous. A well designed 4 stroke is just as reliable as a two stroke, and often times more reliable.

 

[CODE-1]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

I'd like to second what Mantitoba1 said re: the Suzuki 70 four stroke. I purchased one last year to replace a two stroke and think it's great.

 

[Moving Target]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

Just for the record, a 4 stroke motor is more reliable and cheaper to maintain.

 

[horsefly38425]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

it just depends on what you want to do with yours around here 2.5mod merc on 21ft allison 120-130 mph 2stroke but if you want to have quiet smooth power on a fishing rig 4stroke is just fine i have a 55 bearcat that is so sweet but also some older 2s that can hang with newer models too

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 4 stroke or 2 stroke ?

According to the manufacturer, the 4-stroke will get close to 10X the engine life than that of a 2-stroke. I would lean towards a Suzuki.....It will get you the best bang for your buck.