Bravo Swap

[fastimz]

I was on my annual vacation this past week and put a couple hundred miles on my boat. I currently have a 454 with a Bravo 1 Outdrive. I noticed a bad cluncking sound during the trip mostly while turning at the marinas. The u joints are shot. After I pulled the boat out of the water I noticed I have a large crack in the lower case but not to the oil, yet. I am considering replacing the drive with the B3. The upper is good with the exception of the u joints, can I swap a B3 onto the upper leg? Are the B3 lowers different ratios or what should I look for? My current upper is a 1.50 ratio. Let me know what to shoot for. I am also currently running a 3 blade Bravo 19p prop, what would I use on the B3? Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Bravo Swap

Yes, you can change to the B3, just be sure the lower is from the same vintage.

 

[fastimz]

Re: Bravo Swap

How can I tell the exact vintage? I see no numbers on it and it didn't come on the boat. It originally had an Alpha 1. What years swap with what year upper? I believe mine is in the 1995 range, I think!!!!!

 

[fastimz]

Re: Bravo Swap

Any help to determine what vintage B3 lower I will need. What years do they run? Help Help Help..

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Bravo Swap

Yes, you can change to the B3, just be sure the lower is from the same vintage.

I knew the uppers changed in about 2005, right? What changes did they make to the lowers that won't allow it to be used with the new upper?

 

[fastimz]

Re: Bravo Swap

This is the Million Dollar Question that I am looking for the answer to. Anyone with input, let me know.