Big Block/Alpha One

G

greater dane

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Mar 19, 2009

Messages

1

• Mar 19, 2009

• #1

Hello all,

I spotted an older Formula 272 for sale that was re-powered with 330hp 454 engines mated to Alpha One drives. Original engines were 260hp 350's. Can the Alphas reliably operate with the big blocks? Can Bravo Ones be swapped out?

Thanks!

 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002

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70,513

• Mar 19, 2009

• #2

Re: Big Block/Alpha One

Ayuh,...

Alphas were only offered with BBCs for 2 years,+ were dismal Failures,...
Hence the Bravos were Intro'ed....
And,..
Yes, with enough Parts, Effort,+ Money, Bravos could be installed...

 

Don S

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Aug 31, 2004

Messages

62,321

• Mar 19, 2009

• #3

Re: Big Block/Alpha One

The 350 gear ratio is wrong for the big block. It's should be a 1.32, not 1.50. The Alpha drives are good for UP TO 300 hp.
The 454 was used with an Alpha drive for 2 years, they didn't hold up well, and the Bravo was invented.
To change over to Bravo you have to replace everything, from the flywheel back. All completely different.

 

QC

Supreme Mariner

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Mar 22, 2005

Messages

22,783

• Mar 19, 2009

• #4

Re: Big Block/Alpha One

I wish you two would get your stories straight . . .

 

Bondo

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• Mar 19, 2009

• #5

Re: Big Block/Alpha One

QC said:

I wish you two would get your stories straight . . .

Click to expand...

Whatdaya Mean,..??

Don said the Exact same thing I dd,... Only Much More Elegantly....:redface:

 

chiefalen

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May 18, 2008

Messages

3,598

• Mar 19, 2009

• #6

Re: Big Block/Alpha One

Welcome aboard !

Hah

But there was a thread a while back about heavy duty gears or something, he switched to in the drive.

Does anyone remember that thread. It went on, and on, maybe the person will post to this thread.

Can't be cheap regular gears after market just for the upper is over 350 bucks for one set.

Found it: heres the link.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1924182&highlight=alpha+one+heavy+duty+gears#post1924182

 

QC

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22,783

• Mar 19, 2009

• #7

Re: Big Block/Alpha One

Bond-o said:

Don said the Exact same thing I dd,...

Click to expand...

That's what was funny . . . within a minute of each other

 

Don S

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• Mar 19, 2009

• #8

Re: Big Block/Alpha One

One would think we have said it before

 

Bondo

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• Mar 19, 2009

• #9

Re: Big Block/Alpha One

Ayuh,..

The Unusual fact of it all is,...

Don must still be having his 1st cup of morning Joe,....
My post is on Top of his,...
Usually he's much Quicker on the Trigger.....

Usually it's Less than a Whole Minute difference...

 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander

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Nov 6, 2002

Messages

1,934

• Mar 19, 2009

• #10

Re: Big Block/Alpha One

greater dane said:

Can the Alphas reliably operate with the big blocks?

Click to expand...

Yes.
I am under the impression that if someone bolted this together, they had the foresight to re gear the Alpha's.
I use a M.I.E. 454 with an Alpha in a 23 footer weighing 2750 dry.
Boat weight is the drive killer with this power package.
Sea Ray installed this in 8,000 pound boats.
No drive coolers or synthetic gear lube then. Install both.
When the hull is on plane, the drive is out of the water.
I also use a Land and Sea sternjack with a two speed prop.
I know a guy that still has a Sea Ray with this package, originial owner,
his boat is still running but then again, he's an adult.