Alpha 1 gen 1 mercruiser 260 and gen 2 gimble

[meantobe63]

recently purchased a 1987 Sea Arrow with a Mercruiser 260. Looking to use the engine and whatever else needed to swap out my 2006 3.0 with a Gen 2. I know the v8 runs a 1.50:1 ratio and my gen 2 is a 2.00:1. I’d prefer to keep my gen 2 and regear if needed. I’d assume the engine will bolt to the gimble motor mounts??? And I’ll have to Fab new front mounts. I like the Speedo built in to the gen 2 and also the oil reservoir, but is there any reason why I should run the gen 1??
Now this is going in a pontoon and I heard that maybe since it’s a light boat I could probably keep the 2.0:1 ratio and get it right with propping, but wanted some other opinions.

Thanks.

 

[Rick Stephens]

You will definitely NOT want to run 1.98:1 or 2.00:1 gears with a V8. Absolutely not. No way to prop up for that big of a slowdown in the gearing. You are looking at the prop turning 33% slower than it does with the 1.50:1.

There is not a big enough difference in outdrives to warrant going from Alpha 1 to a Gen II that isn't geared right. A LOT of money and labor to add a gear lube monitor, a built in pitot and an impeller than last a few years.

 

[harringtondav]

To add to Rick Stephens ...

The V8 1.61 & 1.47 Alphas are a different animal than the 1.98. Different gear housing gears, different prop pinion drive shaft, different FWD/pinion gear set. I added up the cost of Sierra parts at $1370. Plus if you don't own the shimming tools, add dealer labor to that. ...just an FYI.

 

[meantobe63]

So you both are saying to use the transom gimbal etc out of the 1987 boat? I thought when I looked up part numbers on sterndrive.org or whatever that the v8 drive gear set were the same part numbers between the alpha one and gen II’s??

 

[Bondo]

Now this is going in a pontoon and I heard that maybe since it’s a light boat I could probably keep the 2.0:1 ratio and get it right with propping, but wanted some other opinions.

Ayuh,...... No way this could possible work,.....

You'd be lookin' for a prop pitched in the hi-30" plus,.....

 

[meantobe63]

So I’d be better off using a 32 year old outdrive than to regear my 12 year old outdrive that’s been behind a 3.0 it’s entire life?