Replacement for 1980ish Evinrude control box

[Blue_Runner]

any suggestions/experience on what control boxes work best and are easiest change out?

Easiest to change out would be with one just like the one you got. I don't know much about it but if I remember correctly there's a pretty large range datewise that will work with the mid-eighties. Seems like 1996 is the year it changed but I'm really stretching my brain here. Best to wait til someone replies that actually knows the correct answer.

Good luck diver!