www.iFourWinns.com

By no means am I a FW historical expert. I just know that the most "common" engines for that year were the Ford 5.0 (302) and the 5.8 (351). I have always thought that a manufacturer didn't offer their engines from different makers (Ford vs GM) in the same year. I know FW has switched back and forth between the two tho...

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

All these replys are awesome!!! Thank you. It'll be interesting to see how it is Sunday. I was told that 94' was a weird year for FW, because that's right before the OMC went to Volva/Penta. Again thanks to everyone for their input on this... It's greatly appreciated.

If you post clear pix of the engine and drive I can tell you exactly what you have.
Chevy 454, distributor in rear, Ford 460, dist in front.
The dog clutch drive is flat across the top, the Cone has a hump on top and is physically much larger, like a Merc Bravo.

looky here, the 454 (7.4 liter) and cone clutch were in the OMC listings for 94 and I bet that's what you have. In fact the 7.5 (Ford 460) is not listed.

http://www.crowleymarine.com/johnson-evinrude/1361.cfm

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Thanks for that link. I'll take pics of the boat and motor if I bring it home Sunday.

The engine/drive supplier was determined by OMC not Four Winns. OMC offered GM and Ford engines side by side for many years. OMC being the parent company of Four Winns in 1994 I don't think there is any reason they wouldn't have a GM engine at that time.

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Current Operational Boats:
'04-Four Winns 180 Freedom 150 HP Evinrude
'72-Chris Craft Commander 31 Sedan Twin-350Qs

The boat is a little over 23', with a 454. About how fast do you think it'll go? I've got a wager with a few buddies from work. A lot are saying about 40 MPH, one says 55-60 MPH

I stand corrected...

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Oh boy, this will bring many different opinions. Depends on a few things, is it carb'd, fuel injected? What type prop does it have? Weight plays a factor too, full fuel tank, passengers, etc. I would "guess" that your looking at 40-50mph with optimal conditions.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

We took it up to 50 MPH with 4 passengers no problem. I ended up getting it... No leaks, runs like a champ too. Only a few minor cosmetic things to do, nothing major.

Congrats on the new (to you) boat! So was it a 454? Details man! Also, pics are required from every new guy/boat...

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

I've been told that it's good to drain the water from the engine after every use. Anyone know where the drain plugs are on the 7.4 454? If someone could let me know I'd appreciate it. I'll eventually find it tomorrow when I start.

Only in saltwater, haven't heard that for fresh water use. Those plugs are generally used for winterizing, and should be on the sides of the block under the exhaust manifolds. I don't know the exact location on the 454, as I got the 302 in mine. If you decide to drain the water, have something handy (piece of cardboard) to block/deflect the water down, cause it does shoot out pretty good and will soak whatever is close by.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

I don't agree that the engine should be drained each time for salt or fresh water. The corrosion occurs where air is allowed to touch the wet metal. The engine block which is filled with water will have little corrosion. The bad rust occurs at the thermostat housing and exhaust manifolds, which do not stay full of water.

The best thing to do after salt-water use is run the engine about 5 minutes on fresh water (hose-cups or nearby lake). Or run "Salt Away" or "Nutri-Salt" for 30 secs then leave in engine until next run.

Only drain for winterizing, or for best corrosion protection, back fill with antifreeze (search threads for instructions).

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Agreed, thats what I failed to mention/articulate in my earlier post (boy, I'm batting well under .500 lately). No need to drain unless for winterization.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X