Alpha 1 vs Alpha Gen 2

[Speedboatr]

What are the main differences between the gen 1 and gen 2 drives. I have an older (1987 Wellcraft Cruiser) that currently has an Alpha 1 gen 1 with the lower unit and the gimbal ring that are pretty eaten away from saltwater over the past 7 years. Originally I was just going to replace the lower unit, gimbal, bellows and call it a day but with the age and the fact that the boat has been in saltwater for the past few years thinking of refreshing everything. If I do that would there be any advantage of going to a Gen 2 over the Gen 1 drive?

 

[AviatorJim]

Re: Alpha 1 vs Alpha Gen 2

I believe the entire gimbal ring and transom assy will need to be swapped out. You best bet would be to buy a new SEI drive. Great warantee, and no changes to the transom assy. I don't believe you get any performance or maintenance benefits from going to Gen II drive.
--Jim

 

[30 Commander]

Re: Alpha 1 vs Alpha Gen 2

There is lots if information regarding the diference between Gen1 and Gen2 on this and many other forums and websites. Do some homework, search it out and educate yourself. Basically Merc made improvemnets to the basic Alpha drive in a number of places like internal oil resevoir lines, stouter components, improved technology and easier maintenance. The main point is as Aviator Jim states, you will need replace the entire transom assembly if you want to take advantage of a Gen 2 swap.

 

[HorizonblueDK]

Re: Alpha 1 vs Alpha Gen 2

Here is a little info about the two generations.

Mercruiser Alpha 1, Mercruiser Alpha 1 3.0, Alpha Gen 1 Sterndrive, Alpha 2 Mercruiser Sterndrive | Performance Product Technologies

 

[Speedboatr]

Re: Alpha 1 vs Alpha Gen 2

Thanks for the info guys, I forgot to mention the gimbal rings also needs replaced (the ring is cracked on both sides where salt water has eaten away around the grease fittings). Originally I thought the whole assembly had to be removed to replace the ring. However I found a plug kit that will allow me to remove the gimbal ring without removing the complete assembly. I have found a gimbal ring and some parts on e-bay with the lower unit from SEI should be able to make this repair with a lot less work and less expensive.
Anyone ever used one of the plug kits? Do they work well?

 

[AviatorJim]

Re: Alpha 1 vs Alpha Gen 2

I don't know if swapping the gimbal ring and bell housing (the bit inside the gimbal ring) will allow you to use a Gen II. I swapped out a transom assy due to corrosion. I was going ot make the swap to a Gen I, but it would have also involved shifting my engine 2 inches, so I just replace my transom assy with a good used one. I plan to also replace the other transom assy some time. And now I have a spare Gen I transom assy for my other boat.