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Plotman posted 10-20-2003 12:42 PM ET (US)
I'm wondering if anyone has real world experience with the 140HP 'zuki 4 stroke? The boat tests they have on the website seem to show performance in line with 150HP offerings from other manufacturers, but at 4 cyl weights instead of the 6 cyl used by other makers in this HP class.
If the advertising is to be believed, it sounds like like these might be a great choice in a 4 stroke where weight is an issue, but I guess I'm somewhat sceptical given that this is just a 4 cyl, 2 liter engine, and appears to be just a slightly bored out verthe same block as the 115/90 offering from Suzuki (1.95L).
Also, what kind of street pricing are we looking at for these motors - the nearest 'zuki dealer to me is 80 miles away and will only talk MSRP over the phone.
Bigshot posted 10-20-2003 12:47 PM ET (US)
I have many hours under twin 115's which replaced Yamaha 130 2 strokes. He lost 30hp and only 1mph @ cruise and WOT. I have also read where Boating mag said Suzuki is the ONLY 4 stroke that gives 2 stroke performance. With my 70 and my friend 115's I believe that claim. Street pricing for engine and wiring harness(maybe tach) only is about $7-7500 depending on how hard you shop. Remember the Johnson 140 is the same engine so try a local Johnson dealer. Ed's selld them all day for $7500 and a couple hundred to deliver(no tax). If you already have an OMC then your controls, etc will still work with the Johnson.
Tom2697 posted 10-20-2003 12:52 PM ET (US)
If you do a search on this website for the 140 Suzuki, you should be able to find many arguements about this motor. I tried it and I love it!!! Most people refuse to believe that my numbers are true. I switched from an '89 Evinrude 150 to an '03 Suzuki 140 4-stroke about 6 months ago...
Top end: 42-45 mph depending upon load
holeshot: VERY close to the 150 hp
Fuel usage: 6+ mpg over a 60 mile break-in trip
Prop: Power Tech 4 blade stainless 14.25x18
Low speed: minimum troll about 2 mph and will do it all day without a cough
Noise: can talk on a cell phone at 4000 rpm (if I crouch behind the console to block the wind)
Tom2697 posted 10-20-2003 12:56 PM ET (US)
I forgot to add the pricing...
I got the motor, binnacle, prop, new guages, new water seperator, and installation for $10.5k after taxes.
onlyawhaler posted 10-29-2003 09:09 PM ET (US)
Bigshot,
Would the Suzuki/Johnson 140 use all the controls from an older OMC set up like mine from 1988. Shift, throttle, tach, speed, volt, trim?
I also just put on hydraulic Seastar steering on. Would that convert as well?
Sterling
Tom2697 posted 10-30-2003 09:59 AM ET (US)
I was told by my dealer that the controls, guages, etc. would not interchange (from '89 Evinrude 150 to '03 Suzuki 140). I've been told by a few people here that they do, especially with the Johnson 140. As for the steering, you will probably need an adapter but this won't cost much.
Bigshot posted 10-30-2003 11:31 AM ET (US)
Steering and jackplate are fine. Guages, controls, wiring harness etc will work(may need new cables but I doubt it) on the Johnson. The Suzuki should may take some fancy footwork. I know a guy who has all Suzuki gauges, controls, etc with a new Saltwater Merc 150 on the transom. ANYTHING will work but to just "boltright up" the Johnson will with a $35 adapter. I have the Evinrude 70 4s and my bud has the Suzuki, they are different, the rude is designed to run OMC stuff. Your prop will even fit but may be the wrong size.
tlynch posted 11-19-2003 03:47 PM ET (US)
Are the suzuki and johnson props interchangable?
Who else has this setup and what props are you running?
I have searched the web all over for a 'Powertech 4 blade 14 x 18' prop but could not find it anywhere.
I have decided that I will buy a prop from a local shop so I can try a couple out. I just was wondering where I should start.
Thanks,
Todd
Bigshot posted 11-19-2003 04:17 PM ET (US)
Props interchange, just need to space it right with washers(maybe). Mine bolted right up. Depends on your gear ratio on the 140 on where to start. I do not think you need a 4 blade, nor want one on such a light boat. I am running a 13x18 but my gear ratio is different on the 70.
tlynch posted 11-19-2003 05:00 PM ET (US)
Not that it makes a huge difference for prop selection, but I will have the engine mounted on a 8" setback bracket.
I was thinking that I might start with a 14x18 SST Suzuki three blade prop.
Gear Ratio is 2.38:1 and WOT Range should be 5800-6200.
Todd
Bigshot posted 11-20-2003 10:51 AM ET (US)
Nope....my bud runs like 23" on his, I doubt an 18 will work. 18 would be good on a 1.83 or 2:1 but not a 2.38;1.
tlynch posted 11-20-2003 12:02 PM ET (US)
Ok, so here I go.
The Suzuki produces 103kw at 5900 RPM.
My 1985 Johnson 150 might produce 103+ kw at 5400 RPM (estimated).
The gear ratio on the Suzuki is 2.38:1
The gear ratio on the Johnson is 1.85:1
At 5900 RPM the Suzuki prop spins at 2478 RPM.
At 5400 RPM the Johnson prop spins at 2918 RPM.
This would imply that to achieve similar speeds the pitch of the Suzuki prop must be 1.17 times greater than the pitch of the Johnson, for the same diameter.
I currently have a 14.75 x 19 Prop on my Johnson 150. I get roughly 5400 RPM. Assuming I get roughly the same output at that rpm with my 1985 engine as I will with my new Suzuki at 5900 RPM, it would follow that I would need a 14.75 x 22.25, which is roughly a 14 x 23. Suzuki makes 22 and 24 pitch props, because the 4 stroke will likely have less low end torque, and because my estimate for the Johnson might be a little low, I think I will start with the 14x22 SS Suzuki Prop.
Any input is gladly appreciated.
An interesting side note: If the Johnson 150 produces 112kw at the prop, and the Suzuki 140 produces 103, then the relative HP rating of the Suzuki would be 138HP.
Todd
Bigshot posted 11-20-2003 02:27 PM ET (US)
Try your 19" or keep as a spare, should fit being I think the 140 runs a v6 gearcase with 15 splines.
Barry posted 11-20-2003 02:32 PM ET (US)
tlynch,
The boat test results on Suzuki's site http://www.suzukimarine.com/boatbuilders/boattests/bt-ac.php show that 18-20' boats running the 140 are using either 14x20 or 14x22 props.
tlynch posted 11-20-2003 05:11 PM ET (US)
Here are some results from the Suzuki site:
ACTIONCRAFT 1820 FLATS BOAT (975 lbs (dry))
14 x 22
48.6 MPH @ 6000 RPM
Aquasport Osprey (2300 lbs)
14 x 22
42.4 MPH @ 6000 RPM
POLAR 1900DV (1905 lbs)
14 x 20
43.5 MPH
2002 FISHMASTER 1960 V-HULL LINER (1675 lbs)
14 x 20
44.3 MPH @ 6000 RPM
2002 TRAVIS EDITION FISHMASTER 19' BAY BOAT BY POLARKRAFT (1730 lbs)
14 x 20
46.0 MPH @ 6000 RPM
2002 Triumph 210 Center Console (2100 lbs)
3 x 14 x 18
37.1 MPH @ 6000 RPM

The boats that have the same top end that I expect, and that weigh roughly what my Outrage weighs, use the 20". If my current 14 3/4 x 19 prop fits I will give it a try.
Todd

Bigshot posted 11-21-2003 01:58 PM ET (US)
Try the 19 but I think a 22 is better.
Tom2697 posted 11-24-2003 11:50 AM ET (US)
Todd,
I'm running the PowerTech 14.25x18 (what it said on the box) on an '89 Outrage 18. This is an uncupped 4-blade stainless. Now, someone mentioned that PowerTech underates their props which means I might be running a 19" of so. It is putting me right at 6200rpm when I am alone in the boat with about 15-20 gallons of fuel. I'll try to get the numbers off the prop this week (boat is still in water though) and check back with PowerTech to get the exact specs. I am running a 4-blade since I mainly use the boat to troll offshore and to occasionally pull skiers (with 6 people in the boat and 1 skiing).
My advice, try the different props. The first prop I tried was an 18 inch pitched double-cupped prop that only moved the boat to 5000 rpm and about 35 mph. I was told this would be the equivalent to about a 22-23" pitched prop(?).
Bigshot posted 11-24-2003 02:15 PM ET (US)
Depending on how you run your boat loads, I would try and prop it to run 58-6k at WOT. This gives you a better cruise, etc. My 17 when I propped it to run 5800(redline) my cruise went to hell. When I finally got it propped to 5600WOT, my cruise is much better and holeshot, top end, etc is about the same. My best cruise and top end were on a prop that redlined at 5400 but if you put 3 people on board it would barely do 5k which is not good.
Tom2697 posted 11-24-2003 03:04 PM ET (US)
Most of my running is with 2 or 3 people, a full fuel tank, about 150 lbs of gear and in offshore trolling conditions. As the fuel is used, I hopefully replace it with fish (catch and release when and if I ever get that billfish though!) so the load remains relatively constant. Loaded like this, I am running about 5900 rpm at WOT. Depending upon conditions, I'll cruise between 3200 rpm (17 knots) and 4200 rpm (23 knots). I've been thinking about repropping for pure speed but I prefer usability with the boat.
Bigshot posted 11-24-2003 03:17 PM ET (US)
Tom I hear ya but if WOT range is 52-6200 you may want to prop it si your redline loaded down is say 5500(2" more pitch). The nice thing about 4 strokes is she will still plane about as fast with the load as without unlike 2 strokes. Try it!
Bigshot posted 11-24-2003 03:22 PM ET (US)
PS I set my boats up to run the best for speed. This NEVER hurts me when I run loaded down because when I am loaded, I do not try and run fast(what is the point). My 225 will run 5900(5-6k range) with no gas and only me. With 2 people and half tank I get about 5700. With 4 people and a full tank I still get 5300+ so i am still within range. If you are loading down that much that a speed prop won;t still work....you need a bigger boat:) If you do run SOMETIMES with heavy loads like for touraments etc, Have a spare prop with 2" less pitch and swap it. There is NOTHING wrong with running 5500 with a load when your redline is 6k, that is why you have a range for wide open operation like 5-6k. I think you are giving up too much performance and cruise speed when propped too low.
Tom2697 posted 11-24-2003 03:39 PM ET (US)
I might upset too many people if I get better performance out of the boat. I am already running 37-39 knots (42-45 mph)depending upon load. What would people say if I got the boat to go up to 42 knots with the Suzuki DF140? This would defy all beliefs that the Suzuki is under-rated in hp... We just can't do THAT!!! :-)
Bigshot posted 11-24-2003 03:58 PM ET (US)
With a jack plate and the right prop.....no problem.

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Author	Topic: Experience with Suzuki 140HP 4 stroke?
Plotman	posted 10-20-2003 12:42 PM ET (US) I'm wondering if anyone has real world experience with the 140HP 'zuki 4 stroke? The boat tests they have on the website seem to show performance in line with 150HP offerings from other manufacturers, but at 4 cyl weights instead of the 6 cyl used by other makers in this HP class. If the advertising is to be believed, it sounds like like these might be a great choice in a 4 stroke where weight is an issue, but I guess I'm somewhat sceptical given that this is just a 4 cyl, 2 liter engine, and appears to be just a slightly bored out verthe same block as the 115/90 offering from Suzuki (1.95L). Also, what kind of street pricing are we looking at for these motors - the nearest 'zuki dealer to me is 80 miles away and will only talk MSRP over the phone.
Bigshot	posted 10-20-2003 12:47 PM ET (US) I have many hours under twin 115's which replaced Yamaha 130 2 strokes. He lost 30hp and only 1mph @ cruise and WOT. I have also read where Boating mag said Suzuki is the ONLY 4 stroke that gives 2 stroke performance. With my 70 and my friend 115's I believe that claim. Street pricing for engine and wiring harness(maybe tach) only is about $7-7500 depending on how hard you shop. Remember the Johnson 140 is the same engine so try a local Johnson dealer. Ed's selld them all day for $7500 and a couple hundred to deliver(no tax). If you already have an OMC then your controls, etc will still work with the Johnson.
Tom2697	posted 10-20-2003 12:52 PM ET (US) If you do a search on this website for the 140 Suzuki, you should be able to find many arguements about this motor. I tried it and I love it!!! Most people refuse to believe that my numbers are true. I switched from an '89 Evinrude 150 to an '03 Suzuki 140 4-stroke about 6 months ago... Top end: 42-45 mph depending upon load holeshot: VERY close to the 150 hp Fuel usage: 6+ mpg over a 60 mile break-in trip Prop: Power Tech 4 blade stainless 14.25x18 Low speed: minimum troll about 2 mph and will do it all day without a cough Noise: can talk on a cell phone at 4000 rpm (if I crouch behind the console to block the wind)
Tom2697	posted 10-20-2003 12:56 PM ET (US) I forgot to add the pricing... I got the motor, binnacle, prop, new guages, new water seperator, and installation for $10.5k after taxes.
onlyawhaler	posted 10-29-2003 09:09 PM ET (US) Bigshot, Would the Suzuki/Johnson 140 use all the controls from an older OMC set up like mine from 1988. Shift, throttle, tach, speed, volt, trim? I also just put on hydraulic Seastar steering on. Would that convert as well? Sterling
Tom2697	posted 10-30-2003 09:59 AM ET (US) I was told by my dealer that the controls, guages, etc. would not interchange (from '89 Evinrude 150 to '03 Suzuki 140). I've been told by a few people here that they do, especially with the Johnson 140. As for the steering, you will probably need an adapter but this won't cost much.
Bigshot	posted 10-30-2003 11:31 AM ET (US) Steering and jackplate are fine. Guages, controls, wiring harness etc will work(may need new cables but I doubt it) on the Johnson. The Suzuki should may take some fancy footwork. I know a guy who has all Suzuki gauges, controls, etc with a new Saltwater Merc 150 on the transom. ANYTHING will work but to just "boltright up" the Johnson will with a $35 adapter. I have the Evinrude 70 4s and my bud has the Suzuki, they are different, the rude is designed to run OMC stuff. Your prop will even fit but may be the wrong size.
tlynch	posted 11-19-2003 03:47 PM ET (US) Are the suzuki and johnson props interchangable? Who else has this setup and what props are you running? I have searched the web all over for a 'Powertech 4 blade 14 x 18' prop but could not find it anywhere. I have decided that I will buy a prop from a local shop so I can try a couple out. I just was wondering where I should start. Thanks, Todd
Bigshot	posted 11-19-2003 04:17 PM ET (US) Props interchange, just need to space it right with washers(maybe). Mine bolted right up. Depends on your gear ratio on the 140 on where to start. I do not think you need a 4 blade, nor want one on such a light boat. I am running a 13x18 but my gear ratio is different on the 70.
tlynch	posted 11-19-2003 05:00 PM ET (US) Not that it makes a huge difference for prop selection, but I will have the engine mounted on a 8" setback bracket. I was thinking that I might start with a 14x18 SST Suzuki three blade prop. Gear Ratio is 2.38:1 and WOT Range should be 5800-6200. Todd
Bigshot	posted 11-20-2003 10:51 AM ET (US) Nope....my bud runs like 23" on his, I doubt an 18 will work. 18 would be good on a 1.83 or 2:1 but not a 2.38;1.
tlynch	posted 11-20-2003 12:02 PM ET (US) Ok, so here I go. The Suzuki produces 103kw at 5900 RPM. My 1985 Johnson 150 might produce 103+ kw at 5400 RPM (estimated). The gear ratio on the Suzuki is 2.38:1 The gear ratio on the Johnson is 1.85:1 At 5900 RPM the Suzuki prop spins at 2478 RPM. At 5400 RPM the Johnson prop spins at 2918 RPM. This would imply that to achieve similar speeds the pitch of the Suzuki prop must be 1.17 times greater than the pitch of the Johnson, for the same diameter. I currently have a 14.75 x 19 Prop on my Johnson 150. I get roughly 5400 RPM. Assuming I get roughly the same output at that rpm with my 1985 engine as I will with my new Suzuki at 5900 RPM, it would follow that I would need a 14.75 x 22.25, which is roughly a 14 x 23. Suzuki makes 22 and 24 pitch props, because the 4 stroke will likely have less low end torque, and because my estimate for the Johnson might be a little low, I think I will start with the 14x22 SS Suzuki Prop. Any input is gladly appreciated. An interesting side note: If the Johnson 150 produces 112kw at the prop, and the Suzuki 140 produces 103, then the relative HP rating of the Suzuki would be 138HP. Todd
Bigshot	posted 11-20-2003 02:27 PM ET (US) Try your 19" or keep as a spare, should fit being I think the 140 runs a v6 gearcase with 15 splines.
Barry	posted 11-20-2003 02:32 PM ET (US) tlynch, The boat test results on Suzuki's site http://www.suzukimarine.com/boatbuilders/boattests/bt-ac.php show that 18-20' boats running the 140 are using either 14x20 or 14x22 props.
tlynch	posted 11-20-2003 05:11 PM ET (US) Here are some results from the Suzuki site: ACTIONCRAFT 1820 FLATS BOAT (975 lbs (dry)) 14 x 22 48.6 MPH @ 6000 RPM Aquasport Osprey (2300 lbs) 14 x 22 42.4 MPH @ 6000 RPM POLAR 1900DV (1905 lbs) 14 x 20 43.5 MPH 2002 FISHMASTER 1960 V-HULL LINER (1675 lbs) 14 x 20 44.3 MPH @ 6000 RPM 2002 TRAVIS EDITION FISHMASTER 19' BAY BOAT BY POLARKRAFT (1730 lbs) 14 x 20 46.0 MPH @ 6000 RPM 2002 Triumph 210 Center Console (2100 lbs) 3 x 14 x 18 37.1 MPH @ 6000 RPM The boats that have the same top end that I expect, and that weigh roughly what my Outrage weighs, use the 20". If my current 14 3/4 x 19 prop fits I will give it a try. Todd
Bigshot	posted 11-21-2003 01:58 PM ET (US) Try the 19 but I think a 22 is better.
Tom2697	posted 11-24-2003 11:50 AM ET (US) Todd, I'm running the PowerTech 14.25x18 (what it said on the box) on an '89 Outrage 18. This is an uncupped 4-blade stainless. Now, someone mentioned that PowerTech underates their props which means I might be running a 19" of so. It is putting me right at 6200rpm when I am alone in the boat with about 15-20 gallons of fuel. I'll try to get the numbers off the prop this week (boat is still in water though) and check back with PowerTech to get the exact specs. I am running a 4-blade since I mainly use the boat to troll offshore and to occasionally pull skiers (with 6 people in the boat and 1 skiing). My advice, try the different props. The first prop I tried was an 18 inch pitched double-cupped prop that only moved the boat to 5000 rpm and about 35 mph. I was told this would be the equivalent to about a 22-23" pitched prop(?).
Bigshot	posted 11-24-2003 02:15 PM ET (US) Depending on how you run your boat loads, I would try and prop it to run 58-6k at WOT. This gives you a better cruise, etc. My 17 when I propped it to run 5800(redline) my cruise went to hell. When I finally got it propped to 5600WOT, my cruise is much better and holeshot, top end, etc is about the same. My best cruise and top end were on a prop that redlined at 5400 but if you put 3 people on board it would barely do 5k which is not good.
Tom2697	posted 11-24-2003 03:04 PM ET (US) Most of my running is with 2 or 3 people, a full fuel tank, about 150 lbs of gear and in offshore trolling conditions. As the fuel is used, I hopefully replace it with fish (catch and release when and if I ever get that billfish though!) so the load remains relatively constant. Loaded like this, I am running about 5900 rpm at WOT. Depending upon conditions, I'll cruise between 3200 rpm (17 knots) and 4200 rpm (23 knots). I've been thinking about repropping for pure speed but I prefer usability with the boat.
Bigshot	posted 11-24-2003 03:17 PM ET (US) Tom I hear ya but if WOT range is 52-6200 you may want to prop it si your redline loaded down is say 5500(2" more pitch). The nice thing about 4 strokes is she will still plane about as fast with the load as without unlike 2 strokes. Try it!
Bigshot	posted 11-24-2003 03:22 PM ET (US) PS I set my boats up to run the best for speed. This NEVER hurts me when I run loaded down because when I am loaded, I do not try and run fast(what is the point). My 225 will run 5900(5-6k range) with no gas and only me. With 2 people and half tank I get about 5700. With 4 people and a full tank I still get 5300+ so i am still within range. If you are loading down that much that a speed prop won;t still work....you need a bigger boat:) If you do run SOMETIMES with heavy loads like for touraments etc, Have a spare prop with 2" less pitch and swap it. There is NOTHING wrong with running 5500 with a load when your redline is 6k, that is why you have a range for wide open operation like 5-6k. I think you are giving up too much performance and cruise speed when propped too low.
Tom2697	posted 11-24-2003 03:39 PM ET (US) I might upset too many people if I get better performance out of the boat. I am already running 37-39 knots (42-45 mph)depending upon load. What would people say if I got the boat to go up to 42 knots with the Suzuki DF140? This would defy all beliefs that the Suzuki is under-rated in hp... We just can't do THAT!!! :-)
Bigshot	posted 11-24-2003 03:58 PM ET (US) With a jack plate and the right prop.....no problem.