original 1973 135 Johnson h.p. help

[e5jernigan]

Guys,
I'm back on site now, took a little trip to Iraq last year, thanks for the web site its great. I have a 1973 TRV, still has the original '73 135 Johnson. The motor runs really well at wot but has a little trouble at idle speeds. I am hoping to keep this boat as original as possible. Now for the questions. 1. Is there anything I can do to spice up this old motor for a few more hp's. 2. Will a 4 blade prop help get skiers out of the water easier and not affect top end speed too much. Its rated for up to a 150hp and I have and old 150 VRO that I dont really know much about, I think it might be an '84. Is there anything I can do in a rebuild to increase its pony's as well. I am going to get into both of these motors over the next winter. I just don't really know what motor I want to use yet and am open to any and all suggesstions.
Thx

 

[groucho]

Actually the 150/175 VRO series weren't bad engines. They weren't "loop-charged " powerheads but they were very dependable and put out decent power. I'd say if you want go w/the 150hp then just bolt it on and go. If you want another 25 hp then get the different parts that the 175 hp had ( carb jetting and exhaust tuner) and bolt those parts on and go some more. You should be able to find plenty of used stuff.