sheuninck wrote:
http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/showthread.php?4129-omc-70-75-Differances
There are some posts around the internet, including post #4 in that BRF link above, that make mention of pistons and rods for the 1975 model year of the 75hp.. I can confirm that the rods are not unique, but used on the 3cyls from 1971 to 1975, and also a few 25 and 35hp models. Also, yes, there are versions of earlier pistons that are lighter. I have a couple in hand and weighed them. Those have thinner skirts, and slightly domed tops. The heaver ones with more piston above the top ring are approx 40g heavier than the 1975 pistons.
I wish there was a good source for cross referencing casting numbers with part numbers.
BRF Smokin' Joe wrote:
70 has lower port timing and compression, and if I recall correctly slower carburetors (plus, was never produced as short shaft). The pre-1975 pistons actually were lighter than the lightweight 1975 75 pistons, which were the lightest of all 75 models. The lightweight pistons and 1975-'76 gearcase were essential for EP, but the later model motors ran at least aas well on tunnels and were more durable. I ran a 1975 75 shortshaft in EP from 1977-'85, and ran a good 1978 shortshaft in SE one season. I still have parts, crank, ligtht-weight pistons, etc.