1:65:1 alpha one gen 2 behind a 5.7...

[bigblock454]

"don't know how we can provide anymore clarity"

You just did... Thank you. I hope that not for one second do I come across as argumentative (maybe just dumb). I am learning a lot right now. Please don't under estimate how much you know. This stuff, I'm sure is so easy for you to see and rationalize. For us newbs... we need to process this stuff a little. I'm sure it's all "out there" to search and all (I'm slowly finding it), but for now... this seems like a great place to tap into some highly experienced people, such as yourself. I'm listening, learning, and asking "dumb" questions... but getting GREAT answers! This is better than ANY book! But I'm not here to waste anyone's time either. Thanks Dodge.

Norm

 

[funk6294]

As Alldodge stated I would run with you got. Mercuiser offers the 1.62 gears as a high altitude option for 5.7 engines including the the fuel injected 5.7s making 300 prop shaft hp. Dont be scared to run it, you will be fine.

 

[bigblock454]

That is what I hope to do, and certainly what I WANT to do. I said before, and will say again, that I will go toward the direction that my buddy points me in. They do good work, I can see their work and the reputation they have from the work they do for their customers. He has my drive. He doesn't want to put "his stamp" on it if I go out there and be stupid with it, and blow my drive because I put more power to it than it was designed for. I learned a lot today, and appreciate it all!

Norm

 

[thumpar]

The drive ratio only has a correlation with power so that it is geared to optimize the the WOT and prop size. The 1.65 is not rated any lower than the 1.47. It is just a way to get the engine to run in the correct RPM range.

 

[bigblock454]

I get it. It does seem that the Alpha is "borderline" behind a V8 that is making more power than a 5.0. It doesn't seem to be an easy life for them. Seems a lot of manufacturers go with the Bravo once the horsepower gets above that. I'm not "quite" ready to purchase a Bravo yet, so will take it easy with the heavier boat and a 5.7 in front of a well maintained Alpha, be it my current one, or an SEI unit. I don't think I will be catching much air with this boat. I'm not looking for horsepower mods. The way I see it... it can all be exactly the same as the 5.0, prop and all... just lead an "easier" life being a 5.7. It seems that the first thing that is done with the increased power is re-gear it to get more top end. I'm not interested in anymore speed than was capable with the 5.0. I hear that the 5.0 was a "little sluggish" in these boats... hopefully the 5.7 with the 2bbl carb will be "just enough" to get out of being "sluggish".

Norm

 

[flipbro]

A healthy alpha will handle that 5.7 2 barrel with ezz in that boat. I run 300 HP and no probs. Some guys run 383 and get away with it. Have your buddy check the drive over good reshime if nessasary reseal install and enjoy. I know you didn't want to change your intake and carb but a 4 barrel would definitely help as bondo stated!! And if you really wanted a little step up in cam would really bring her to life and you still wouldn't have to worry about your drive if its heathy and rite

 

[bigblock454]

Thanks for your comment flipbro... encouraging, to say the least. How about the size/weight of my boat, along with the alpha, and increased power? I'm sure that has a lot to do with the outdrive's "quality of life".... you think? I'm sure if this was a little capri bowrider, the drive would probably never know it was there... but a "sled" like mine?? 300hp or a 383 sound like a dang good "test"!!

Norm

 

[funk6294]

Attached is a fun read if you want to see someone put an alpha to some extreme abuse.

EDIT: MODS For some reason when I put in the link it doesnt put the whole link in. This the link to the article, just cut and past into your browser to view it.

http://www.rlcperformance.com/images/projects/tripple_digits/project_trippledigits.html

 

[thumpar]

Mercruiser put the Alpha behind the 350MAG MPI making 300hp from the factory and I think they still do. You don't have to worry about power with a 5.7l carb motor unless there is an issue with it. It is somewhat rare to see a Bravo behind a 5.7l or 350. Those are usually custom order.

 

[bigblock454]

Good deal... May this Alpha live a long healthy life behind my new little cruiser "All Aboard!"

Norm

 

[Scott Danforth]

the alpha was also put behind big blocks for a while, however that did find the limit of the drive when abbused. it will take a fair abount of loading. I know a few people with 383 strokers putting out about 450hp in front of alpha drives with drive showers and stand-off boxes in go-fast boats. they just watch the holeshot and back off the throttle in rough water so as not to grenade the drive when the boat goes airborne

your 1.62:1 drive behind a 5.7 in your boat will last the life of the boat with proper maintenance.

 

[bigblock454]

Bad day... well SOME of it good. Got my rebuilt outdrive back on, with new bellows, shift cable, gimbal bearing, etc.... all works great... EXCEPT!!!! Fired my "new" boat up for the first time "on the muffs", and... water coming out of bilge drain... FAST!! Quickly shut it down and determined that it was coming from the port side of the motor, around the power steering heat exchanger area. Anyone who owns a 2452 and does their own work knows THERE'S NOT MUCH ROOM TO WORK DOWN THERE!! Thank you to the previous owner for using "anti seize" on the bolts/studs/nuts, as all came apart rather easily... BUT... NO THANKS for NOT winterizing your boat properly!! It is not the heat exchanger leaking, but a popped "core" plug!! Yup... the one behind the port side engine mount. I will press a new one back in... but I'm now taking bets on the odds of everything being fine (no cracked block). Oh well... I guess my "good" luck had to hit a snag somewhere! I will do an oil change (very dirty), press in a new plug, and start testing/inspecting for leaks, compression loss, milky oil, etc. Sad day... taking bets... and advice. I've read that the odds seem worse than 50/50 that she could be cracked. Here's to hoping that the Virginia winter didn't do her in. Trying to prepare for the worse, and pricing shortblocks from Summit, Jegs, etc. Tipping a beer in misery as I write this... any moral support, or encouragement is welcomed! I DO have a FRESH 383 on the stand for another project... Just got the heads back last week! I did not build it with "the cruiser" in mind though, and if needed, will probably just go with a run-of-the-mill 350 from a reputable source.

Sad,
Norm

 

[alldodge]

Sure hope that's all it is. Have seen a block do that and be OK, but it's rare

 

[Bondo]

Tipping a beer in misery as I write this... any moral support, or encouragement is welcomed!

Ayuh,..... It depends entirely on how it froze,.....

If temps went down, it started to freeze, pushed out the core plug, then warmed up, the water woulda flowed out the core plug hole,...

If it got Cold, 'n stayed Cold, it probably cracked the block,....

Drainin', then air pressure testin' the block will tell ya,....