102 vs 302 for first motor

[Bmwbob]

Since it appears that I will be starting out in one of the "C" classes (OSY 400 or 20 SSH) with a lay down boat, I need to choose a motor.
There is a very nice 102 available locally, but the seller (a MOST helpful chap!) tells me that those motors, being points ignition, require more maintenance than the 302.
And, he says that some parts are getting hard to find.
A new 302 would be more expensive up front ($2800 ready to race with prop shaft, head work and gear case smoothed?), but less fiddling during the season.
Any thoughts or suggestions here?
Thanks!
Bob Cowgill
Mims, Florida

[blueskyracer]

Since it appears that I will be starting out in one of the "C" classes (OSY 400 or 20 SSH) with a lay down boat, I need to choose a motor.
There is a very nice 102 available locally, but the seller (a MOST helpful chap!) tells me that those motors, being points ignition, require more maintenance than the 302.
And, he says that some parts are getting hard to find.
A new 302 would be more expensive up front ($2800 ready to race with prop shaft, head work and gear case smoothed?), but less fiddling during the season.
Any thoughts or suggestions here?
Thanks!
Bob Cowgill
Mims, Florida

You have said it all.. Plus some folks still want 302 prices for 102's that are hard to get parts for.. If you buy a used 302 just make sure it has the small plugs..

If I were you I would get a new 302 then you can focus on driving and set up. The motors take care of themselves.. Just change the oil in the foot often..

[KG4]

Im partial to the 102 myself.It is more maintnance.I used to set the timming before each race and it was good for the weekend.But thats just my thought.Both would be a good choice for you.

[3rd Chance]

Yamato

302 is the way to go. It's currently in production and parts are readily available. Make it easier on yourself.

[johnsonm50]

If you would want to race OSY400 you need the 302. From what Ive heard & seen 302 has more torque but a good 102 hydro can be as fast as one with a 302

[mercguy]

302!!

302 no question about it!!!!!!!

[Aussie Steve]

^^^^^^^agreed^^^^^^^



302 fosho

[Racerkyle20]

302 all the way

Clamp on and go. Probably the single best Stock outboard engine made in my opinion. Requires low maintance, simple, and always runs (as long as set up properly). Can't go wrong, Oh and Ricky the dealer has about 60 sitting in his garage ready to sell in Seattle.

[Aussie Steve]

Is the 102 still legal in all classes ?

[daveracerdsh]

Kg4

Hey KG4...is that a Fiberform Waikiki with a 6 Mercury Tower of Power? I had one up until last year....just curious.....

[DougMc]

Since you will be driving a lay down, my suggestion is to call Diane Murray, ask what she and Pete did to get her running so well and then copy exactly what she did to start. She always ran very strong and up front with her laydown. She already invented the wheel - just copy it.

[HydroKyle93R]

Considering lay-down configuration and engine choice

I concur with Doug, contact Diane regarding the lay-down configuration. Also, note the UIM OSY400 class: nearly all hulls are lay-downs as well. Try to contact some of those teams and see what input you can gather within the scope of the set-up (driver position, weight distribution, motor position or rather gear case position relative to the trailing-edge). Keep in mind the UIM guys follow different rules, but may have some helpful insights.

As far as your immediate decision between a 102 and 302. My vote is for the 302. Many will claim that the 102 is a "faster" motor. I have found this is true in 2 ways: the motor is capable of slightly higher RPMs than a 302 and the straightaway speed can be slightly higher. However, the 302 would be the quicker motor. Personally, I have driven both and the 302 generates more thrust out of the corner (at lower RPM's) and generally stays on its power band. The 102 feels less powerful in these situations.

The 302 is also considerably less tedious to maintain due to its electronic ignition. Its parts are readily available and prices are reasonable. This is your motor. Contact Rick at RPM marine 2062834773 for a quote on a new one, with a 9/16 prop shaft and 14mm head. These are necessary components that will make your racing experience considerably less difficult.

[KG4]

Hey KG4...is that a Fiberform Waikiki with a 6 Mercury Tower of Power? I had one up until last year....just curious.....

Thats an Avenger Mach by Cee Bee with 1500 merc.Runs great but is a handful over 60.

[daveracerdsh]

Kg4

Looks like it is about 17 feet long...and a carbon copy of my Waikiki, which was rated for 115hp....It would do a little over 40 at full throttle...and lemme tell you, there is nothing like the sound of a Tower of Power at full speed....I don't think my rig could have handled a 150....Dave

[mercguy]

Looks like it is about 17 feet long...and a carbon copy of my Waikiki, which was rated for 115hp....It would do a little over 40 at full throttle...and lemme tell you, there is nothing like the sound of a Tower of Power at full speed....I don't think my rig could have handled a 150....Dave

you wuss, your boat would handle a 150...................****, I had a 200 V6 on my old Tahiti...........you just gotta have the balls to squeeze the throttle.............