Alpha One Upgrade

[naturecoast1]

I am in the process of accumulating parts to disassemble a 228 mercruiser. It is in a 1980 Grady White. It is my Dad's boat, and he had been told that the last time he had the drive rebuilt it was replaced with an Alpha One unit. Turns out that is not the case.

Since there are so many Used and Reman Alpha One units available, does it make sense to upgrade rather than spending money to replace a bent prop shaft in the old drive? And, if so, how much of the Alpha One unit do I need to do the trick? Just the lower? Also the upper?

Thanks, again, for any help.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha One Upgrade

Not quite sure what you are asking here.......
How long ago was the drive rebuilt?
Replacing a propshaft will not be cheap, unless you can find a good used one......
By the time you spend the money on parts & labor you won't be that far from a new SEI or a remanned OEM......
At about $1200., that's the route I would go.....
You could just replace the lower gear case, but you will need to identify what drive you actually have.....
There are subtle differences in the innards........​

 

[naturecoast1]

Re: Alpha One Upgrade

The outdrive is a #1 MC228R. Ser # 645xxxx. I realize that the prop shaft replacement will be costly.

I have heard that the Apha One drive is more durable.

My question is this: Is the Alpha One more desirable and therefore a logical choice for replacement when weighed against the cost of a prop shaft replacement? And, if so, do I also need to replace the upper gearcase to make it compatable?

Thanks,
Grant

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha One Upgrade

Not sure what you are asking again.....
So let me say this.....
Any drive that is pre-generation II, (up to '91), will bolt right on to your bellhousing & work......
Are you asking if an Alpha One lower will bolt onto your MC1 upper?
That I'm not sure about....
It will bolt together, but some had grooved shafts & some don't, & I'm not sure if that would affect it....
I can't say for sure whether thay are totally compatible or not.....​

 

[frayed knot]

Re: Alpha One Upgrade

I think that by the time you get what you need fixed, you could by an entire outdrive from SEI, They come with a 3 year no fault warranty for $1200.
http://www.sterndrive.cc/

Pretty sure you can not bolt an Alpha lower to an older upper.

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Alpha One Upgrade

Pre-MR/alpha drives are not worth fixin.(They havva lifting eye on top of them)Replace it with a alpha 1 MR type .SEI drives work well,a little noisy but 3 year warranty!