outdrive swap question

S

ShihanRocco

Cadet
Joined
Nov 3, 2005
Messages
18
have 80's 120 hp mercruiser w/alpha 1 gear ratio is 1:98/1 (outdrive needs work) have opportunity to barter for rebuilt alpha 1 but is from an inline 6 cyl. gear ratio is I beleive 1:65/1. What problems can I expect to encounter in swapping outdrives? <br />Thanks
 
W

whywhyzed

Banned
Joined
Feb 1, 2005
Messages
1,871
Re: outdrive swap question

units should be identical externally.. You might get away with going to a lower pitch prop to get back in the correct engine rpm range...
 
Haut Medoc

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: outdrive swap question

Welcome to iboats. :) Like Hystat says, it will bolt right on as long as it is a gen1....You may be able to prop it down so that it will perform satisactorily.....But it will never be truly right.....While it sounds like a good deal, it's not....Go with the original gearing, it is geared that way for a reason....JK
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,148
Re: outdrive swap question

Originally posted by J.kopec:<br /> Welcome to iboats. :) While it sounds like a good deal, it's not....JK
Click to expand...
Ayuh,..........<br /><br />Been There,..... Done That........<br /><br />You'll Never find a prop Small Enough to get it to Run,.... Even Remotely Right..........
 
P

Paul Mariz

Cadet
Joined
Sep 7, 2005
Messages
17
Re: outdrive swap question

What about changing the upper gears is that posible, i have a old alpha as a spare and the ratio is 1.32 which fited on a ford 8 cyl, my mec could change my upper gears and he said it would be OK (nes pas)<br /><br />PePere<br />Canada,Quebec
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,148
Re: outdrive swap question

By the time you Buy the Gears,+ have them Installed,.........<br /><br />That Real Cheap replacement drive,...... Ain't So Cheap anymore.............
 
T

TilliamWe

Banned
Joined
Dec 21, 2004
Messages
6,579
Re: outdrive swap question

while bondo is probably right about the props being difficult to find... I am the cheap type that would still try it. That is if I have access to a lot of props and they are cheap too. So if you don't have access to used props, don't do the swap, cause you will be trial & errorring it all the way.<br />P.S. my father put a V-8 where a 4.3V-6 had been and yes, he had a little difficulty finding the right prop. But where the boat ran a 19 with the V-6, he now runs a 25. And he bought it used for $100, a long time before that, for a different boat. But he also had a 21, a 22, and a 23 all on hand to try. And he tried them all! It took a while, but it was worth it to him.
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,148
Re: outdrive swap question

While you're Right Tilliamwe,..........<br /><br />Your Dad was going 1 Way,+ shihan is going the Other way,...........<br />And,.......<br />If a Merc.15" Pitch Prop Isn't Small Enough,........<br />That's as Small as they Get,.......... <br />There are No standard production props Below 15"s of pitch....................(for Merc. I/Os anyway)<br />And,.........<br />I'm Sure that a Gear Change would be Cheaper than a Custom Built Prop...................
 
P

Paul Mariz

Cadet
Joined
Sep 7, 2005
Messages
17
Re: outdrive swap question

QUESTION: Bondo can you tell me for wow much is the going prices for a alpha one today, either old in running condition or remanf so i dont expend to much to modifiy my all spare drive<br />(nes pas)<br /><br />PePere<br />Canada,Quebec
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,148
Re: outdrive swap question

Brand New Alpha 1 drives from Mercruiser are About $3000./$3500..........<br /><br />Brand new Aftermarket Alpha 1 drives are About $1500............<br /><br />Used,......I've bought Alpha 1s in Beautiful Shape on ebay for About $600.......<br />I've Also picked up used Pre-Alpha drives for $300./$400...........(which are a Direct Swap)<br /><br />Depending on Where You happen to look,.....<br />You may find Cheaper,.......... Or Of Course,.... More Expensive........<br /><br />The gears that you have from the old Ford drive are Way Out Of Line,........Much Too High a gear ratio............<br />That means you'll be Buying the gears,.... <br />They cost Me about $250. a Set at NAPA,+ I Doubt you'll get the Prices that I get at My local NAPA........... ;)
 
P

Paul Mariz

Cadet
Joined
Sep 7, 2005
Messages
17
Re: outdrive swap question

OK i see the going prices here i think they are a lot more expensive a new one around 5000$ cnd<br />reman about 2500 to 3000 with your old core when you said new after market what do you mean, my old one i know that the ratio it is way to high, thats wy my mec said i can change my upper gear and my cost with labor and parts are 600.00CND. i think is not to bad
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top