Alpha 1 Gen1 regearing

[Pointman205]

Yesterday I got to take my new (used) 1982 Century out for the first time. And I was not happy with the preformance. Ran like a dog and hardly could get it up on plane. Its set up with a Merc 228 and a replacement/upgraded Alpha 1 outdrive by the previous owner. Geared with 1.98
After doing a lot of research on this site I realized that the outdrive has the wrong gearing, It needs the 1.5 So my question is can I just regear this drive or should I look for a whole outdrive and do the R/R. Im assuming that the lower gear ratio is the same for all alpha 1 gen 1. Sorry I dont have a serial number to reference on the outdrive, Im Identifiying this drive by comparing the pic i seen here and a sticker stamped on the port side of the outdrive

 

[dubs283]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 regearing

to know for sure what the gear ratio of your drive you can pull the top cap and count the gear theeth on both drive and driven gears, then look up the ratio in the manual

to swap gears you will need to re-shim the upper half of the drive and that requires special tools and an OEM manual

even in the field rarely do i rebuild drives, the labor cost is too high for the customer, nowadays its a complete upper/lower/entire drive assy swap

there are some aftermarket options available for drives at reasonable prices with warranty

 

[Pointman205]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 regearing

So swap out the drive with a 1.5 and selling the 1.98 to recoupe some of my expense is giong to be my best option

 

[CV16]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 regearing

Wouldn't it be easier and less cash to just but a different prop?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 regearing

Wouldn't it be easier and less cash to just but a different prop?

To much of a change in ratio. If you could find one with enough pitch, it would be a real dog getting on plane.

You only need the upper. The lowers are the same.

 

[muc]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 regearing

No that's not your best option.
You do realize that switching to a 1:50 ratio from a 1:98 will increase your time to plane (make it more of a dog out of the hole) don't you?
Might want to take a look at your prop, low engine output and boat weight first.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=295070

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 regearing

You are not ready to post in the prop section yet, but you will need to do that with ALL of the info.

You most likely have other issues, like carb, timing, weak engine, water logged foam etc.......

The 228 combo is not a powerhouse but should still reach plane and WOT with no trouble if it is set up correctly.

We simply need more info. Boat type/size, WOT RPM currently, etc...

 

[dubs283]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 regearing

So swap out the drive with a 1.5 and selling the 1.98 to recoupe some of my expense is giong to be my best option

that is the easiest and least labor intensive - like don says you only need the upper half, the lowers are all the same

it would be in your best interest to ensure you have a 1.98:1 ratio before you go buying a new upper half, so you don't find out the problem was something else

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 regearing

And I was not happy with the preformance. Ran like a dog and hardly could get it up on plane.

Ayuh,... Define "Ran like a dog"....

If it's a 1.98:1, it oughta rev to the moon, while goin' almost nowhere, relatively slowly...

 

[Ky Baja Blast]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 regearing

sent you a pm I think I can help