I've got a question that only someone with real knowledge and experience with smallish outboards can likely answer and would like to find out if there's anyone who fits that bill on here.

Can't claim to be an expert but have been running an old 8 horse erude for several years and have done some maintenance and repairs on it.

What is your question concerning the motor?

I really hate to post it because it's a technical question about something I want to do to my existing motor and I'm bound to get every piece of advice except what I'm looking for. That's exactly what I got when I posted the question on a boating forum.

"Did you check this or that first?"

"It won't make a difference, or not much anyway."

I got everything except someone to attempt to answer the actual question over there and in my 9 years here, I've seen plenty of that behavior already.

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I've Googled until my fingers and patience were sore and I just want to get to the bottom of this. The local Johnson dealer was somewhat helpful but wasn't 100% certain. I'm looking for certainty so I can calculate cost and make a decision.

But what the heck. Here's my question, guys. The only question I'm seeking an answer to is -

What exact parts do I need to change my 2001 25 hp Johnson outboard to a 30 hp? I know it can be done. Possibly with as little as a carb change, but it might require an intake or modifying my existing intake.

If anyone thinks they can help, sing out, please and I'll share the exact model # of my motor for the purpose of referencing the correct parts.

Thanks.

If you can't get an answer, one last resort thing you can try is to find complete parts lists for the 25 and the 30. Go down the lists and compare part numbers to see what's alike and what's different.

I can see why you'd have trouble getting that exact question answered as I'm sure there are but a few folks who've made that mod I aren't one of them.

The way I'd approach it would be to get the parts diagram for your engine model and year, get the same diagram for the 30 hp and compare the different p/n's to see which ones are different. I'd also check the p/n's of the blocks to see if they are different as that could indicate more extensive mods.

I'm been an outboard mechanic exclusively for 30 years, shoot me a pm with your contact info and I'll call you. It's a complicated answer and I need some more info.

First, Thanks to all who offered constructive help.

Second, A big Thank You to Mirage 243 for providing a definitive answer to my question. Your experience and certainty in answering my question has me confident that making the modification will be perfectly safe for the engine and may be just the answer to the issue I'm having with my fishing rig.

No problem at all, glad I could help.