Mercruiser 888 - need new outdrive whats compatible

[ToddfromCA]

Will the Alpha 1's work? or
Do I really need an 888, if so, any good online sources for these?

The alphas are everywhere but 888 seems tougher. I've heard something about a shiff pin being the difference? Guess its in the vertical portion of the shaft. All input appreciated

Need 1.5:1 gear ratio standard rotation
Motor is Ford 351w
Just found out I've been running 2.0:1 which I guess is for a four or six banger. Might explain the grenading and high rpm I had to run at, with the prop everone said should be right, just to get it up on plane.

Thanks in advance

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Mercruiser 888 - need new outdrive whats compatible

umm the 888 was a 302, not a 351W. If the 351W is what you actually have, then it should have had the 233 drive on it, which is a 1.50 ratio I believe. You would be running high rpm's with the 2.0, WOT should only be about 4200 rpm. I don't know what (if any) differences there are between a 233 and an alpha I aside from the fact that a 233 is a sort of alpha I/pre-alpha mixture. I am sure an alpha I/gen I would bolt up the same with no issues, but the trim rams may be different in the diameter.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 888 - need new outdrive whats compatible

Ayuh,.... An Alpha 1 should bolt right up....No Problem...

 

[ToddfromCA]

Re: Mercruiser 888 - need new outdrive whats compatible

haulazz - yeah I should've cleared that up. It used to have a 302 but now has had a 351 since the last two repowers. Your right I was running way high on the RPM's and could never figure out why similar boats with same motor and same prop were planing and WOT at totally different RPMs. Now I know. Thanks

Bondo- thanks for the confirmation, ordering today

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 888 - need new outdrive whats compatible

the 302 is a small block & 351w is a big block

Ayuh,... I think you're Wrong on that 1,... Both are Ford Small blocks...

The 351 Clevelands,+ Ms are Big Blocks...

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Mercruiser 888 - need new outdrive whats compatible

Ayuh,... I think you're Wrong on that 1,... Both are Ford Small blocks...

The 351 Clevelands,+ Ms are Big Blocks...

You think correctly Bond-o. 351's have a taller deck and longer stroke, otherwize they are virtually identical.

 

[mkast]

Re: Mercruiser 888 - need new outdrive whats compatible

The 351 Clevelands,+ Ms are Big Blocks...

The 221-351 "Windsor" engines were referred to as small blocks.
The 352-428 "FE" engines were referred to as big blocks.
The 351-400 "Cleveland/Boss/M" were referred to as "335" engines.