Gear change on alpha one drive

[crazygn]

I have a 1989 larson senza with a heads cam 454 . Problem is I have a 1.8 or 1.9 alpha one drive so your rpm's are crazy . Question is do I need a new drive or can I just get an upper to change to a 1.46 or 1.5 gear ratio, what changes the gear ratio in the drive

 

[thumpar]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

Just get a new upper. The 454 Alpha was 1.32 though. Not sure how long it will last behind a 454 though. Merc only did it for a couple years for a reason.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

Get the hardened gear set. And no wide open hole shots or you'll learn how to replace them repeatedly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

I have a 1989 larson senza with a heads cam 454 . Problem is I have a 1.8 or 1.9 alpha one drive so your rpm's are crazy . Question is do I need a new drive or can I just get an upper to change to a 1.46 or 1.5 gear ratio, what changes the gear ratio in the drive

Ayuh,.... The Upper unit determines the overall ratio,...

If yer lower is Good, just swap in the upper ya need,...

I believe the 1.50/ 1.47:1 is the closest available today,...

What sorts head, 'n cam ya talkin',..??

yer gonna have to be Gentle with the Alpha drive,....

 

[BigDog98]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

You could just swap the gears out. I thought about doing the same on my alpha but the gears where in good condition. But they are like a few hundred bucks.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

You could just swap the gears out. I thought about doing the same on my alpha but the gears where in good condition. But they are like a few hundred bucks.

You can change gears but the tools and time will cost more than just buying an SEI upper.

 

[crazygn]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

The heads are summit racing dart heads rectangle port heads, the cam is a 530 lift but I'd need to check specs, with stainless marine manifolds

 

[crazygn]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

It's always done 59-60 mph with the 350 and the 454 , gears would rev out to high so I hope with the new heads , intake and carb with the gear change it will hit 65-70 mph

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

These quotes...

Not sure how long it will last behind a 454 though. Merc only did it for a couple years for a reason.

Ayuh,....

yer gonna have to be Gentle with the Alpha drive,....

Do not fit with this quote...

It's always done 59-60 mph with the 350 and the 454 , gears would rev out to high so I hope with the new heads , intake and carb with the gear change it will hit 65-70 mph

Something tells me with the combination of a user name "crazygn"... a built up big block.... a desire to increase from 59-60 mph to 65-70 mph... that your boating style would not be described as gentle. Sounds like you would be better off upgrading to a bravo drive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

It's always done 59-60 mph with the 350 and the 454 , gears would rev out to high so I hope with the new heads , intake and carb with the gear change it will hit 65-70 mph

Ayuh,.... If it was doin' "59-60 mph with the 350",..... It has the 1.50:1 ratio, not a "1.8 or 1.9 alpha one drive"

A 350 spinnin' a 1.98:1 with a 25" prop would have a hard time makin' 30mph at Any rpms,...

I'm with Mark,.... Ya need a Bravo drive to play the games yer playin',.....

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

or get an RLC drive RLCPerformance.com

New Web Site for high performance Alpha 1 out drives and Outboard lower foots

 

[crazygn]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

I did run the boat hard but I haven't the last two years . Maybe I didn't check the gears right but with the cam only 454 and a 23 clever prop in gps at 59 mph.... Now that was prob at 5500 or better for a short blast , the 350 was a heads cam engine also

 

[crazygn]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

RLC doesn't look to have a price list , do you know if they just sell HD parts for a drive

 

[Maclin]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

Scott, are you sure ol' Rich is still in business for those?

 

[thumpar]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

Even if available it would probably be cheaper to convert to Bravo.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

Scott, are you sure ol' Rich is still in business for those?

no, however his RLCBOAT website lists his phone number. I suggest the OP calls him.

on Alpha vs Bravo vs..... with enough torque, I would skip the Bravo and move straight to the XR or an Arneson asd-7

 

[crazygn]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

What's needed or.... what does it take to swap alpha to the bravo drive

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gear change on alpha one drive

What's needed or.... what does it take to swap alpha to the bravo drive

Ayuh,...... Everything, aft of the rear motor mounts, 'n a raw water pump to mount on the motor,....