40 hp 4 cyl merc?

[bjkaboom]

A couple of questions......? What is a reasonable price to pay for a 1997 40 hp 4 cyl Merc LS outboard motor? It's in like new condition, has eletric start, power trim/tilt and oil injection. Is this powerhead similar to the 44XS? Is it a good candidate for a DSH ....IF....we wanted to make a racing motor out of it in the future ????
Thanks,
KaBoom