Alpha 1 power

[Checkmate216]

long time pleasure boater new to speed boating. I have a 95 checkmate 216 with a 350 mag alpha 1. The manual says that the stock 350 produces 250 horsepower. What is the max horsepower I can put through an Alpha 1 without ruining it? Friends have sugested better heads for more speed, but I dont want to replace the Alpha 1.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha 1 power

300hp.......<br /><br />It Can handle alittle More,...... <br /><br />Or,..... It Can Blow-Up with Less.........<br /><br />It Depends More on How You Move Your Right Hand.............

 

[Checkmate216]

Re: Alpha 1 power

Thank you, I appreciate the quick reply.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Alpha 1 power

Something in your post has me confused, a standard 5.7 liter (350 ci) engine is rated at 260 HP, the magnum should be 270 or more...not the 250 that you described. If you are reading the boat manual...forget it, call mercruiser with your engine serial number and ask them what that engine puts out. Regardless, you most likely have a fairly fast boat that is dependable. If you start messing with the engine without taking everything else into consideration (read replace, also read high $$) you will most likely end up with a boat that goes a few (3-5) MPH faster and constantly has problems. Enjoy what you have, keep her tuned up and running top notch, and when you need more speed, move up to the next best platform (engine, drive, hull).

 

[Checkmate216]

Re: Alpha 1 power

Thanks waterone1, ill give mercruiser a call.

 

[Checkmate216]

Re: Alpha 1 power

I called mercruiserwith the engine serial #, the hp for this motor is 250, thanks for the advice.