MC-1 to Alpha 1 Conversion

[Cresco750]

In pursuit to fix my woes with my leaking MC1, and as a general upgrade I have the opportunity to buy a 1996 model Alpha 1 which was mated to a 5.7 Liter engine.

Questions: is this an easy swap? I understand that the transom assemblies are similar enough to allow the Alpha to be bolted to the MC1 bell housing, but are there any other gotcha's? Trim rams interchangeable?

The gear ratio is unknown, however is this just a case of correctly propping the out drive to the correct rev range, or is there more of a science involved? (I have a 5 liter GM).

Finally, aside from just being a slightly newer version of a Mercruiser out drive, what exactly are the advantages of the Alpha 1 over the MC-1 drive, or are they just the same old guts in a slightly different housing?

If I wanted to swap transom assemblies over, can this be done without removing the engine?

Cheers

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: MC-1 to Alpha 1 Conversion

Howdy,

If I am not mistaken, a 1996 Alpha is a GEN II which will have a different bolt pattern in the transom assy. ( I don't believe a GEN II will bolt to a MC-1 transom)

Also, you MUST remove the engine if you're going to swap the transom assembly.

The gear ratio will be a major problem if it's "way" off. If it's close, you can make a different pitch prop "work" ....more or less..... (I would want the "right" ratio)

You can either determine the ratio by pulling the top cap and counting teeth or turning the input shaft and counting revolutions of the input/output shafts.

Have your calculator ready!

If I was coming "down" there to see my daughter, I would be glad to help! But that won't be for quite some time!


Cheers,


Rick

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: MC-1 to Alpha 1 Conversion

yeah, 96 is Gen 2 - no swap.
Need to stay 1990 or earlier.

 

[Cresco750]

Re: MC-1 to Alpha 1 Conversion

Ok, thanks for clearing that up guys. Looks like I'm back to fixing my old one for the time being.

 

[tazrig]

Re: MC-1 to Alpha 1 Conversion

Ok, thanks for clearing that up guys. Looks like I'm back to fixing my old one for the time being.

You might want to look here first. You didn't mention your budget but this might work for you ($1,300) and they come with a 3 year warranty:

Mercruiser Stern Drive Complete Drive Assembly - iboats.com

 

[Cresco750]

Re: MC-1 to Alpha 1 Conversion

Yeah, I'm currently researching SEI drives. The main problem I have is the shipping cost internationally, and the fact that it has to be sent back to the USA for any warranty repairs.

 

[tazrig]

Re: MC-1 to Alpha 1 Conversion

Yeah, I'm currently researching SEI drives. The main problem I have is the shipping cost internationally, and the fact that it has to be sent back to the USA for any warranty repairs.

Ouch! The shipping could add up for sure. I believe you can also still purchase an Alpha generation 1 direct from Mercruiser but I don't know what the cost is. Good luck with whatever you decide.