[Billybob]

I have an 87 225 Evinrude and have wanted to repower for years, in fact I just blew my lower unit last fall and I got a used one to throw on this week.
Those motors are bulletproof and reliable, but smokey and thirsty as noted above.
I'm sticking with it until the kid gets out of college at least.
I don't buy the C/R story either, in fact I was going to put one on mine, but the pinion was shot.
In fact, I got a lefty viper prop I have to sell.

The steady compression is good, and the price seems about right. It may seem like a lot, but go and price other options and you'll see that it's not.
Every tiller arm I have ever seen on those get rusty, trim motors too - put some por-15 on them.
I went with a non VRO fuel pump and mix my own now, no problems there.
It all comes down to $, and as far as $ go, I don't think you'll do much better.