Evinrude 90 performance rebuild legit or overkill

[MateOnDeck]

I recently got my hands on a predictor equipped with an Evinrude 90 outboard. It features a 0.030" overbore, Wiseco forged pistons, a ported block, milled heads, a balanced crank, a shortened exhaust, a drilled lower unit, and larger carbs and jets, along with advanced timing. The previous owner claims that these performance components were all extensively rebuilt. It runs like a dream on 90 octane, but I've heard that 115 leaded gas really takes it to the next level.

Is this an overblown setup or a good performance setup? Anyone with knowledge of these mods would be greatly appreciated!

 

[JalapenoFire]

That is a really good set up, definitely not overblown, if it's properly done of course. And yeah, higher octane will take it to the next level, and it benefits high-RPM or race applications. You just need to make sure that you have the right timing and compression for the fuel so that you can avoid detonation.

 

[Huey19]

Running 115 leaded could help, but 90 octane seems fine if it's running smooth now

 

[VinoStefano]

The previous owner sure knows what hes doing. It's not over the top for sure, these mods like the overbore, forged pistons and porting can really boost power and reliability. How's the fuel economy?