1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

Don S said:

Wellcraft does not make engines and outdrives. They buy them from companies that do. Like Mercruiser, Volvo, etc. What engine and drive do you have? Model numbers, serial numbers, and even pictures are all good things if you don't know what you have.

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Mike Pierro said:

Hi All

I got involved in a engine repair on a 89 Wellcraft Elite. The boat had a 350 Chevy that had a major problem someone installed a rebuilt 454, My question is will the original Outdrive live behind the 454? Or do i have the change outdrive?

Thanks
Mike

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Bond-o said:

Ayuh,... If by chance it's an Alpha 1 drive,...
It'll last for awhile...
How long is completely dependent on the Operator's Righthand, 'n his/ her control over what it does....
'n if the 454 is Hopped Up at all,.... That time frame is Severely Reduced...

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Don S said:

What outdrive? Look at the port side of the upper gear box, there should be a serial number in the flat spot on the side.

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Mike Pierro said:

Just a stock rebuild on the rat, It had carb & wiring issues I repaired but hes worried about the drive and wants to change it .

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Bond-o said:

...The Alpha, Can last, but failure is always close by...

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achris said:

And I firmly believe that you are most alive when you are closest to death.....

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Mike Pierro said:

I took a look it's so corroded I can't lift any numbers

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Don S said:

It's an Alpha, not only that, when the 454 was installed, I would bet they didn't change the gear ratio either.
Just be easy on the throttle.

PS: You can't just replace the drive. If you want to move up to a Bravo drive, you need the transom shield and all. I'ts all different.

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Don S said:

It's an Alpha, not only that, when the 454 was installed, I would bet they didn't change the gear ratio either.
Just be easy on the throttle.

PS: You can't just replace the drive. If you want to move up to a Bravo drive, you need the transom shield and all. I'ts all different.

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Mike Pierro said:

Thanks for your input on this mess! Any direction where to start looking for a complete Bravo 1 drive?

Mike

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