abacus

Hi- I currently have a STA-RITE 1HP Pump (JWPA5E7L-SA1) which has died and I need to find a suitable replacement. Fast. Locally I have found a couple of Hayward 1.5hp units (HAYWARD POWERFLO LX POOL PUMP 1.5 HP) 1.) Is it ok to replace a 1hp pump with a 1.5 hp pump? I have a 27' round above ground pool. 2.) The output port on the Hayward pumps is straight up. On my Sta-Rite pump it is on the side and connects directly to the filter tank from the side port via a connector. Would the port be rotatable on the Hayward pump? Or do I need to find only a pump with the output on the side like mine? Thanks for any help with this...