1.32 :1 or 1.5:1...Which to go with?

[chris650]

Hello everyone. I started a thread just about the time the maintenance started on here, and it got deleted...so I will try again. Anyways, over the winter I replaced my merc 228 with a 260. Engine is running fantastic, still not in the boat yet. So my question..I have two outdrives I can choose from, my old mc-1 which is a 1.5:1 gr, or an R drive, which is a 1.32:1. The R drive is in much better shape then the mc-1, but im not sure if I can go with the 1.32:1 gr. If I did go with that one, what would be the differences? Or maybe one of you knowledgable techs can tell me why I shouldn't! Like I said, its in better shape then the mc-1. I also looked up info online and it says that it was a gear ratio that was used with 454 big blocks, but , this was a drive off of a 260.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Or maybe one of you knowledgable techs can tell me why I shouldn't! Like I said, its in better shape then the mc-1. I also looked up info online and it says that it was a gear ratio that was used with 454 big blocks, but , this was a drive off of a 260.

Howdy,


1.32:1 will be WAY too "tall" for efficient prop RPM if you plan to run your engine at a maximum of say, 5100 RPM or so.

this was a drive off of a 260

That doesn't mean it was "right" though..............

If I had 2 good Merc drives, I would clean them up, do a little painting and sell them on the market.

Then I would buy a new SEI 1.50:1 drive. (you'll likely have to "pony" up the difference of course...)

This way you have a nice new drive (with a 3 year warranty) to go with your nice "new" engine.

Either way, I wouldn't use the 1.32:1 drive with a small block V-8 in a recreational boat.

Regards,


Rick

 

[thumpar]

I like the selling idea. The 1.32 was used with the 454 and are hard to find so you might be able to get some good money for it.

 

[HT32BSX115]

If those drives are in fairly good shape, he may get enough to cover most of the cost of the new SEI drive.