Bravo swap. Shift plate question.

Jasonfast

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 21, 2015
Messages
34
Hey guys. I am a few months deep on a full power train swap. I have a 19.5' glasply hardtop that had a Merc 470 and alpha 1. She now has a supercharged 351w and a bravo 3. We have had many challenges but managed to over come all of them. But I have one question. The alpha shift plate has the shift interrupter and a hydrolic reverse lock or something that I no longer need. Question is. The alpha shift plate. It has linkages. Will the bravo shift cables bolt to them? As in is the throw of the linkage the same as the bravo? I know the bravo shift plate is slightly different and just wondering if I should just try and find one?




 

Fun Times

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
9,304
Hi there, While the backing/mounting plate is the same between the two there are a few other components that make them different such as the lever, retainer (< Bravo), actuating arm assembly (< Alpha) and cable mounting hardware. Having the incorrect lever may put the throw of the shifting cable out of spec between the two. That mentioned, this guy makes it seemed like it worked without issue. http://www.allardmarine.com/alpha_to_bravo_conversion.htm Not sure how he kept the arm from moving so keep an eye on that should you try it first.

The lower shift cables adjusting barrels are the same size so they should fit right in the slots.
If you find that you need the bravo parts then might as well look around for a complete plate using the bravo part number as you should be able to find one at about the same cost as buying the needed parts to switch.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...13.TR0.TRC0.H0.X.TRS0&_nkw=807962A15&_sacat=0

Your alpha, http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...14.png&inbr=1075&bnbr=170&bdesc=SHIFT+BRACKET

Bravo, http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...23.png&inbr=2690&bnbr=220&bdesc=SHIFT+BRACKET

Let us know how this and the whole project turns out, good luck.:)
 

Jasonfast

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 21, 2015
Messages
34
Yes I've read that write up. And watched just about every YouTube video on the net. Non specifically say anything about it and comparability.

The bravo plate might just be the way to go. Besides the location in which they mount it near the riser I better for my application then off the bellhousing like the alpha as going from a inline 4 to a v8 space is at a premium. I will report back with what I find out.
 
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