Alpha or bravo thoughts, ideas, ramblings

[trkr75]

Ok there is probably a thread out there somewhere that address this but thought I would ask anyways. I know "they" say the max horse power for the alpha is 300 ponies, but I would like to hear from people who are pumping more the the "MAX" through theirs. Did you do anything special or are there upgrades I can put on mine? I have a real dog of a 305 in my liberator now and am repowering it this winter with a 350 with either 300 or 320 ponies. I know this is the top end of what they suggest and I also know if I take it easy out of the hole I should be fine but I like to pull tubes and skiers so the take off will quick then slow once they are up. Thought about a bravo but not sure if it would be worth the time and effort other then I could go with a bigger engine then. Thoughts, ideas, ramblings


Thanks,
Ken

Boat- 1986 21foot Liberator
Engine now- 305 chevy (previous owner rebuilt a auto engine)
Out Drive-now Alpha Gen I

Future engine- 350 marine or 383 Stroker marine

Future out drive- Alpha gen I with upgraded / stronger parts (if any are available) or Bravo

 

[90stingray]

I have no experience with over powering the alpha... i have 4.3's. But anywho... of course a big block and bravo 3 is probably the best answer. But that's gonna hit the pocketbook pretty heavy. I think a stout 350 with the alpha one is going to most sensible. If you go with a bad 383 then you already know the easy take offs is the best way to make the alpha live. Of course, if you did a 383 or big block with the alpha, you could tell us how long it can handle the power.

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[trkr75]

Re: Alpha or bravo thoughts, ideas, ramblings

Of course, if you did a 383 or big block with the alpha, you could tell us how long it can handle the power.

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I am leaning towards the 350, I will let the next million air let us know about the stroker and the alpha

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Alpha or bravo thoughts, ideas, ramblings

The answers to your questions are all readily found with some searchomg/ the bottom line is that if you keep it in good repair, run good lube, etc... an alpha can handle a lot of abuse...

 

[greg82255]

Re: Alpha or bravo thoughts, ideas, ramblings

The answers to your questions are all readily found with some searchomg/ the bottom line is that if you keep it in good repair, run good lube, etc... an alpha can handle a lot of abuse...

Agreed... use good lube, change it often, and use a drive shower. You'll be fine if you are careful - several people on this site including wca_tim (above) have done this. I'm actually building a 383 to put in front of my alpha 1 (see my signature). I'll post how the drive holds up after I get everything finished.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha or bravo thoughts, ideas, ramblings

Mercruiser does rate the Alpha drive for up to 300 HP. If you want to use more, go for it, you were warned.
Just don't go whining and crying when it does fail. Put on a new one and keep on truckin'

 

[trkr75]

Re: Alpha or bravo thoughts, ideas, ramblings

does anyone know of or if they make performance parts or upgrades for the alpha?

 

[90stingray]

Re: Alpha or bravo thoughts, ideas, ramblings

I am sure they did make a SS alpha drive... not sure of the HP ratings tho. But getting ahold of one might be costly too... They sure look cool with the bullet design lower housing. Not sure if you could use ss parts in a standard housing. Did you ever figure out your current ratio? I thought you were settled on a 350 in front of your current alpha....

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Alpha or bravo thoughts, ideas, ramblings

internals are pretty much the same in an ss... I have one. the housings are different as are a few internal parts that are associated with the diffrence the height of the upper assembly. I've broken several alpha drives, but always I've fouind evidence of other problems such as water intrusion as well... the only exception would probably be the 1.6 gear ratio upper - the gears are smaller, weaker and harder to get set up right... just my two cents

 

[trkr75]

Re: Alpha or bravo thoughts, ideas, ramblings

I thought you were settled on a 350 in front of your current alpha....

Yea I am going with the 350, still a little worried (probably no need to be) since the engine will be putting out 300 horses it is at the top end of the recommended horse power rating of the drive. Just trying to make it as strong as I can so no problems on the water.