'81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

[eb0248]

The old outdrive on my '81 Wellcraft 210 was shot, was practically given the outdrive (with everything from the engine, back, including the trim motor). The old outdrive was a 1:50, the newer Gen 2 is a 1:65. I have been told that this will only affect my torque a bit, but shouldn't be a problem. Are there any other problems of which to be aware, such as teeth on the driveshaft, etc? I think the old outdrive is a pre-alpha, the transom mounts look about the same.

 

[Bondo]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

Ayuh,... You'll have to change the Whole Transom Assembley to make the swap....
Along with drilling a couple more holes in the transom...

 

[eb0248]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

Bond-O San...

I have the entire transom assembly, I'm working on the transom, is there any forseeable problems fitting the shaft into the engine? Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

The couplerwill be wrong, the trim pump & who knows what else....
The best thing you can do IMO, is get yourself a new SEI aftermarket drive with the correct 1.5 to 1 ratio off of ebay, bolt it on & go boating...
Save the drive parts you have for when you upgrade to a newer engine & do a complete repower at that time....

 

[eb0248]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

Haut...
The outdrive came off a 305, I have the chance to replace the engine. Would another 350 be okay with that gear ratio?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

No, you will never get the proper WOT with a 1.65 to 1, even with a different prop....
You need a 1.50 to 1 ratio.....

 

[eb0248]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

How about a 5.0 EFI with 150 hours, drop-in ready, for $2000?

 

[Bondo]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

Ayuh,.... You'd need a prop So Big, that it may not be found....
It's the gear ratio....

If you want to go Boating,... Haut got it Right,... Bolt on an SEI,+ Go Boatin'...

If you want to update,+ Refit the hull,... Bolt in any late model you want to...
The Drive you have is for a 4.3l...

 

[eb0248]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

I don't think I made myself clear through this thread, sorry...

While getting on the water is, in fact, everybody's ultimate plan, instead of buying a boat outright, I have an '81 Wellcraft 210 that needs a motor, outdrive, interior, and one of the stringers worked on. I gave myself a year and a half, and the money for which to do it, I would like to do as much as I can myself. Too many of my friends who have boats can barely put gas in them, let alone do even minor maintenence. I don't need a go-fast boat, is the 4.3 too underpowered? I had an old '20 cuddy a few years back with a merc 120, it moved ok.

I am new to boating in terms of mechanics, but I would like to learn. It seems the only way to do this is to actually do it, and lean on your expertise as I can. Thanks in advance for any help/advice (no, "scrap the idea and buy a real boat already" isn't an option).

 

[Bondo]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

that needs a motor,

Ayuh,... I read it that you had a Running Merc 260....

My 22' Starcraft Islander scoots across the water with a 4.3LX,.. Fully dressed for big water fishin'...

The V8 with the 1.65 drive will put you up out of the Normal range of prop pitches available...
Pitches over 23" or 25" are Specialty Props,+ co$t a Bundle...

 

[eb0248]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

Thanks, I'll check them out.

 

[eb0248]

Re: '81 Merc 260, 2007 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive?

Bond-O...

A mechanic and the SEI tech are now telliing me that the 1:62 Alphas are being placed with 5.7 engines in some newer models, and are saying the gears "should hold up awhile" ?? What is your take on this?