Mercruiser alpha outdrives

[John Works]

I am looking at buying a 1994 boat with remanufactured GM 350 and original Alpha GenII drive. What is difference in Alpha and Alpha GenII units? Did Mercruiser discontinue GenII models to return to a previous Alpha setup? I see Alpha drives on new boats, besides the Bravo series. Is GenII a good idea or not?

 

[vinney]

Re: Mercruiser alpha outdrives

GREAT DRIVE THERE ARE A COUPLE CHANGES ALL FOR THE BETTER. THE DESIGN HASNT CHANGED JUST CLEANED UP THE SHAPE. IF THEY DIDNT CHANGE IT THEY COULDNT MAKE MONEY ON THE PARTS.THERE ARE ALOT OF AFTER MARKET PARTS FOR THE ALPHA DRIVE. AS THE SAYING GOES THERE IS NO MONEY MADE ON THE PRODUCT ITS ALL MADE ON THE PARTS. I SERVICE THIS DRIVE AND LOVE IT. VINNEY

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser alpha outdrives

I have to agree with Vinnie.. <br /><br />The Gen.II drive started in 1992.<br /><br />Some differences but a good drive.<br /><br /> Some differences

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser alpha outdrives

The Biggest difference in the genII is the case is much heavier,+ will NOT interchange with any others.....<br />they're all good outdrives if maintained,+ Not abused..........<br />WATER is the DEATH of Most outdrives........<br />Some on the inside is BAD.........<br />Not Enough Under the outdrive is WORSE................

 

[John Works]

Re: Mercruiser alpha outdrives

Thanks guys; I appreciate the responses. I looked at the link Trent provided. The cases will not interchange, I understand. Still curious if the GenII covers only a "window" of years or if all Alpha drives from 1992 forward are GenII. Will interior parts interchange? With older Alpha? With newer Alpha (if there is a non-GenII newer Alpha)? Just thinking about working on this unit down the road; whether I will be dealing with rare parts.

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser alpha outdrives

They started building the Gen II. drive in 1992 and are still building it today. Lots of parts out their. Both OEM and aftermarket. <br />Great drive if you ask me. Service regular and it will last years.