[THEFERMANATOR]

97-99 150/175 FICHT's were the BIG problem engines, but the carbed engines were AWESOME engines(most all of the JOHNSON's were carbed engines whereas teh EVINRUDES were FICHT's). The 00-early 02 FICHT's were OK, but could be really hit or miss. The late 02+ FICHTS that were built by BRP were EXCELLENT engines that are better on fuel than the ETEC's. As for the 135HP DFI, I believe it would do the job just not in a hurry. There are quite a few V's out there with 135HP MERC's on them that run just fine, as well as quite a few of them with V-4 OMC's that will ge tthe job done. I know mine with the 1.6L sea-drive would plane out loaded down, and that was a 115HP at the flywheel(about a 100 at the prop).