The 3liter EFI is much Loved, even by EvinRude freaks like me, kind of like OMCs 3.6liter and 4liter V8s, everyone loves them. By 2004 the Optimax 3liter was much more reliable, in 2006 their was some more refinements to the Opti line to make them more user friendly and smoother to compete with the offerings of others….Killer motor in the 3liter Merc, and if you like power it can be Massged…..Good luck…