OK all you Merc Gurus ..... what is the story on these HP engines? Here's the situation:

See the one in the pnoto below? Wellllllll ........

I don't NEED it,

I'll never run it hard,

But I dearly LOVE to hear them run, and I can purchase one that I know is in good condition for a bargain.

Are they as reliable as a "stock" motor, or do they require more attention and maintenance?

It is a 1993 year model, and the hours are unknown.