Mercruiser outdrive ?

[starsnstripers]

I picked up a parts boat that had a 488 4cyl Mercruiser in it. engines junk, The Drive is an Alpha 1 but it's a 2-1 ratio. can that be used on a 5.7 ? I know it calls for a 1.50-1 Or should i sell the 2-1? I read somewhere the 2-1 was a high altitude ratio?

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive ?

I picked up a parts boat that had a 488 4cyl Mercruiser in it. engines junk, The Drive is an Alpha 1 but it's a 2-1 ratio. can that be used on a 5.7 ? I know it calls for a 1.50-1 Or should i sell the 2-1? I read somewhere the 2-1 was a high altitude ratio?

You could change the gears in the top box (not too hard), or just run a bigger prop... If the boat is big and heavy the engine will appreciate the higher ratio..... If it's a light boat, you may not find a prop big enough....

Chris.....

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive ?

5.7 23' formula 2-1 ratio be ok with that? Pretty heavy boat.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive ?

2-1 (aka 1.98: 1) is the gear ratio for a 3.0L. NOT what you want. You need a 1.5 for the V8's. I doubt you could even find a prop that would work on the 2-1 drive.

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive ?

Yeah i was afraid of that, well i'll sell that one and get a 1.50:1 then for it and i'm going to put a 5.7 in it too Don. Makes more sense really. thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive ?

Ayuh,... That 488 Should have had a 1.84:1,... or possibly a 1.65:1...
Either of which would work just Fine with a 4.3l...
I agree, for a 350, you want a 1.50:1...

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive ?

Thanks for the input guys, Yeah going with a 5.7 for it. I'll keep ya posted when project commences. Need to refit transom from OMC to Merc (again) lol Atleast i've done one succesfully. The only thing i can't figure out is how to apply the gelcoat as a smooth finish i always get ripples in it. Need to look into that process.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive ?

The only thing i can't figure out is how to apply the gelcoat as a smooth finish i always get ripples in it. Need to look into that process.

Ayuh,... I sand,+ Paint myself...

If you insist on Gelcoat, it has to be layered on Thick, then sanded down Smooth....

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive ?

Oh, thats how it gets smooth when brshing it on? Thick and then sanded, I see! I always thought it should end up smooth like say the petit paint. So, your saying build it up like doing body filler and bring it down to a smooth finish. I'll try that on this project, thanks Bondo.