K&B outboard 3.5

[dom223]

Is Mecoa/K&B not making boat engines anymore? I been thinking of getting a hobbico top speed 2, and a K&B 3.5cc engine, the air cooled one #8935, but they are allways out of stock. I have an older 3.5, its #8907, i guess ill use it untill i find an air cooled K&B. I want more power, thats why i want the new engine, does anyone here know if there is much difference between the engine i have, and the other i mentioned as far as speed and power?

[Ron Olson]

With the SS version there are a few changes like the cannister exhaust that a regular older K&B can be modified to have it fit. The combustion chamber has been reworked with cuts in the chamber that were "borrowed" from Terry Keeley's design. Terry didn't have a patent on his head tricks so he is out of luck there. The trick to Terry's heads is you have to have about .012" head clearance and let the engine build up a little heat before launching. His head was made to adapt to the water-cooled engines by keeping the water jacket. I have an idea that the SX must be the same design.
The older ones can still run well and there are plenty of aftermarket parts made yet for them.