I bought the first 140 "looper" my local dealer sold back in 1985. Used the crap out of it for seven years. Those pictures bring back some good memories. Great engine.....except......the first year model did not idle very well and they had some filter issues with the VRO. It's like all old technology carbed engines, loves it's gas, but heck it was only $.85 a gal back then!! Yes it did have the V6 lower unit.
I know it's a $$$$ issue, however if the boat is what you want upgrading to a newer engine when you can afford it is the way to go. A 150 eTec would be nice
Good luck.