alpha or volvo drive

[oops!]

im going to go over 300 hp i/o 325 to 350 hp
my boat mech, (the best round these parts) is a volvo guy.
he has suggested a volvo drive, rather than swap to a bravo1
i have only had mercs, and have not even given the change a second thought.
am i missing somthing?
is this the ol ford vs chevy argument?
(im aware of the thru hull changes involved)
my question.....what are the pros and cons?

cheers
oops

 

[Don S]

Re: alpha or volvo drive

The Volvo will handle that power with no problem, even the old 270 and 280's. But they didn't have trim, only mechanical tilt. With the 290's and newer, they all had trim.

 

[Robj]

Re: alpha or volvo drive

Based on Don's input, I would go Volvo. Have seen many Volvo 280 and 290 drives for sale on E-Bay and Craigslist for relatively cheap. I am somewhat biased because I have a Volvo 290. Better yet, you may want to consider a dual prop Volvo.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[oops!]

Re: alpha or volvo drive

thanks guys, how are they in the reyalibility factor?
to work on? to change impellers?

cheers

 

[Don S]

Re: alpha or volvo drive

They are a lot more reliable than an Alpha drive, about the same as a Bravo.
No impellers in the Volvo Drives, they are Always engine mounted (either crankshaft or belt driven).
They don't require much maintenance, gear lube change. Bellows replacement for any Volvo drive is an hours worth of easy work. Unlike the pain factory the Mercs are.
All in all, the Volvo's are just a lot better drive, easier to work on, and last longer.

 

[flabum]

Re: alpha or volvo drive

The Volvo SX series will fit right into the hole a Mercruiser Alpha comes out of. Same bullet proof design as the 270, 280 and 290 but with the configuration of a Merc. Go duoprop if you can.

 

[oops!]

Re: alpha or volvo drive

don s

hmmmmm.

ok. what kind of pitch can i put on a volvo drive?

what is the max?
can i get a 29?

and are the gear ratios simmelar?

or how does that work.?

thanks guys