4.3 on an alpha 1

[heavyhitah8080]

Will my alpha one mate with a 4.3 without the lower unit falling apart? I found a really good deal on a crate motor, I doubt it will fit in my engine compartment but i have a chain saw and a need for speed.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

Merc regularly puts Alpha behind the 4.3, but what are you taking out?

How complete is the 'crate' motor?

What are you working on?

Whithout knkowing details I can give you a definate MAYBE!!!!!!

 

[tommays]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

With so much info i will guess you have a 3.0

Will the boat move yes

BUT without changeing from the 2:1 gear ratio on the 3.0 drive it will not work well

 

[rndn]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

More information is needed. The short answer is yes, the alpha 1 will easily handle the power from a 4.3 and is capable of handling up to 300hp.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

Ayuh,.....

And for My WAGuess,......

You need Alot More than just a Crate Motor to stuff any motor, but the boats original motor,...
Into Your Boat....

 

[heavyhitah8080]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

no its a 470. but not the aluminum head nightmare, inline 4 cylinder 165 hp inline4, so i gotta get a new outdrive with diffrent gear ratios? I thought alpha one's were only good up to 200hp? Its a gen 1 not gen 2. Oh yeah its a complete 4.3L 100% used but not abused and well serviced, fresh water blah blah blah well worth the $500 but with all the work id have to do and what not, dont wanna buy another outdrive, and the boat is fast with what its got it sounds like it's easier to sell it and buy a boat with bigger power. Thanks guys.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

Ayuh,...

That's Different,.... Why didn't you Say So......

Yes,.... You're headed in the Right direction,.....
The ratio is Fine,... You'll need the Y-pipe from the New motor too...

 

[heavyhitah8080]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

bondo i could shove a 350 into a washing machine and drive it thru bagdad, i just dont know a whole lot about outdrives,your idle chatter can be brought to another channel, thanks to everyone else.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

Pardon,..??..??

 

[Don S]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

bondo i could shove a 350 into a washing machine and drive it thru bagdad, i just dont know a whole lot about outdrives,

There is more than just the outdrive that you don't know a whole lot about.

your idle chatter can be brought to another channel, thanks to everyone else.

With remarks like that, don't expect many more replies.

 

[heavyhitah8080]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

What are u a mechanic or a psychiatrist?

 

[wca_tim]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

What are u a mechanic or a psychiatrist?

probably some of both... if you ask me... especially for the pigeons that are looking for answers...

4.3 works great with an alpha, I know it's heresy on here, but there isnt any real reason why, especially with a faster, lighter boat, that you can't use your gear ratio and a higher pitch prop... 1.84 to 1.99 is not that tremendous of a difference... as long as you prop for the right rpm of the engine you install. alpha is "rated" at 300 hp...

crate motor needs a fair number of things to make it "marine ready" can find lots of details by searching on here,

the biggest expenses are going to be all the little stuff... marine starter, distributer, ignition, alternator, etc, etc, etc...

and you're right... probably cheaper and easier to buy a bigger boat with a bigblock alread in it... my two cents...

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

Pardon,..??..??

Yeah, that's right idle chatter......

 

[180shabah]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

I know it's heresy on here, but there isnt any real reason why, especially with a faster, lighter boat, that you can't use your gear ratio and a higher pitch prop... 1.84 to 1.99 is not that tremendous of a difference...

He is replacing a 470 so he won't have the 2:1 gearset anyway. It is already geared higher and the switch to a 4.3 won't require a change.

Making it fit in the boat is another story, but he did say he has a chain saw, so I say go for it.

 

[zvolv]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

My 1986 Bluewater Executive Overnigter 20 ft cuddy cabin had a 185 hp Mercruiser 4.3L with the Alpha One Drive from the factory. The 4 barrel had 205hp.

It was bitchin. Then it somehow it got water in the cylinders and grenaded.

That is all I have to contribute.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: 4.3 on an alpha 1

duh... on gear ratio... missed that... no excuse...


[[/B]

He is replacing a 470 so he won't have the 2:1 gearset anyway. It is already geared higher and the switch to a 4.3 won't require a change.

Making it fit in the boat is another story, but he did say he has a chain saw, so I say go for it.