1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

[Mike Pierro]

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

 

[Don S]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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.

 

[Mike Pierro]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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.

The original engine is gone and replaced with the 454 Chevy, the owner was using the boat last summer but he was told to pull out slow or he will kill the outdrive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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

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...

 

[Don S]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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.

 

[Mike Pierro]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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...

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 .

 

[Mike Pierro]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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.

I'll go take a look I have it here..

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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 .

Ayuh,.... 'n ya still haven't told Us just what this drive is.....

The BBC with the peanut port heads is rated 'bout 330hp with a 4bbl. carb.....
The Alpha 1,... IF it's an Alpha 1, is rated to 300hp.....

In the few years before the Bravo drive was introduced, Mercruiser peddled the BBC/ Alpha package,...
The results were dismal, 'n the Bravo series was born.....

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

 

[achris]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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

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

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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

Ayuh,.... I can't argue that....

 

[Mike Pierro]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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

Ayuh,... If ya look long enough, you'll find pictures, 'n awhole lot more, up in the Adults Only section at the top of this forum....

 

[Don S]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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.

Ayuh,..... Everything Aft of the 2 rear motor mount bolts, 'n a few more pieces for the motor...

 

[Mike Pierro]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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.

That was my next question on the transom mount.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1989 Wellcraft elite Outdrive question

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

Mike

Ayuh,.... Guess ya didn't notice my signature,..??

Start lookin' for a Rotten hull, with the driveline of yer choice, buy it, 'n junk it out...
Or,...
What I did,...
I bought mine from a Bud,.. who was junkin' out an ole Rotten hull...

Expect to pay from a Grand(very Cheap), to several grand....