1980 Merc Drive ID?

[mark mcj]

I might be overthinking this but after looking at all of the guides in the info section, I have questions concerning the drive on my project boat.
1980 900 Renken
18.6'
Mercruiser GM120 CID 153 2.5L serial number 5755817
Rochester 2GC carb
AC Delco starter
Carter low volume fuel pump
Sterndrive serial number 5706060 Ratio 1.98


1. What drive is it? According to the manual, #4, its a "I" drive. I've searched and searched for "I-Drive" but can't find anything. No parts, no cross-referances, no nothing.
All of the other Merc drives according to the manuals are labeled Alpha, Bravo, SS whatever.

2. Is this a Alpha 1 before it was called an Alpha?

3. If it's not an Aplha can I swap an Alpha for what I have?

4. If the "I-drive" is an "I-drive" can I get parts somewhere?

5. Do Alpha parts crossover to the I-drive?

I just can't nail this down and I want to at least know if what parts are available or if I need to start a conversion to a different drive right of the bat.


Thanks for looking and any insight you might have.


mark mcj

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1980 Merc Drive ID?

If there is a lifting eye in the top cap ,it`s called a Series1
If the top cap is flat, it`s called R,MR orAlpha 1

 

[ziggy]

Re: 1980 Merc Drive ID?

1. from the oem. a mc-1 drive
2. yes, it's a pre alpha1
3. the way i get it, mc-1 through alpha1 are generally interchangable
4.you can get parts anywhere. www.iboats.com, your local mercrusier dealer, bam online, dougrussell.com, many places.
5. some do, some don't. an example of one that's the same is the impeller. an example of one the ain't is the trim limit switch...

i have a 1 drive, and i get many parts from my local mercrusier dealer..

the sequence
1 drive
1r drive (revised)
1mr drive (major revised)
alpha1

a place ya can see some differences at..
http://www.mercstuff.com/drive_id.htm

 

[mark mcj]

Re: 1980 Merc Drive ID?

Thanks for the info.

It does have the lifting eye on top. So it's am MC-1.

If I source a complete Alpha 1 stern drive, it's a simple bolt on swap that will mate up with the engine coupler and I'm done as far as the mechanical side?

Trim and tilt and shift control will be another story, right?

ETA; that link is very informative. It helps alot. Thanks!

mark mcj

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1980 Merc Drive ID?

If I source a complete Alpha 1 stern drive, it's a simple bolt on swap that will mate up with the engine coupler and I'm done as far as the mechanical side?

Ayuh,... An Alpha 1 will bolt right on,+ run just Fine,...
But,....
You need the Short Input shaft(8") installed on it...
Most Alpha 1s have the longer 9" shaft...