Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

[Challenger84]

I have a OMC 305 with a Cobra.
Well I made another post about my drive making ticking/rattling noise and did a search for a new drive just in case.
I found a Alpha gen 2 with 1.83 gear ratio and the bell housing for a good deal and was wondering if it would be an easy swap?
I hope that my drive is okay but if not then I have a back up plan.
Has anybody done a swap like this before?
Is it plausible?
Is it a simple bolt on or would I have to cut into the transom to make it fit?
Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

SEI makes a conversion to bolt on just the merc drive.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

I don't think you want a 1.83 behind a 305 unless you have a very heavy boat.

You want a 1.5 for a V8 i think.. maybe a 1.65

The SEI kit does require some minor mods to the Gen II drive

 

[180shabah]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

1.8 is not way out of line for a carbed 305, it will put you in position to for better prop choices.

The transom cutout is almost identical to the Gen2's. You will need to drill two additional 1/2" holes for mounting bolts, but that is it.

The SEI conversion kit has already been mentioned. Either way you go, there will be a little wiring needed to get it to shift out of gear properly, but not a huge deal.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

What year engine?

In my manual it says 305's have a 1.46:1 (I think I know it's 1.4 something to 1) the 350 has a 1.5:1. It does vary a little for some years.

If you tell me which year I can see what the manual says the gear ratio should be.

I would buy a sei drive with a three year warranty and the conversion kit.

 

[Challenger84]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

Thanks for the reply guys!
It an 88'
I found an alpha 2 complete working drive for $300.
Is that a good deal?

If I'm gonna need to replace some parts in my Cobra then I guess this is the way to go?

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

Attached is the copy from the manual. Just click on the pic.

There probably something wrong with the get 2 drive for 300. And not matter what if you go with a merc drive you HAVE to get the conversion kit from SEI, along with making some adjustments.

The conversion kit is $300

 

[Challenger84]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

Attached is the copy from the manual. Just click on the pic.

There probably something wrong with the get 2 drive for 300. And not matter what if you go with a merc drive you HAVE to get the conversion kit from SEI, along with making some adjustments.

The conversion kit is $300

If it's worth it I'll probably need to get it check out by a pro.
Not a bad Price for a conversion kit.
Total of $600 plus mech fees.
Can I do a check myself or do I need special tools?
How much do they normally run?

If it checks out okay I could also just pick it up and sell it to make a little bit to repair my Cobra to offset the cost.( I don't know what's wrong with it yet. Just exploring my options.)

Thanks for the link btw LAC!

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

Darn I forgot to attach it. Sorry

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

They usually run 2-3K.

So 300 is a, something is very wring with this, kind of price. I know you can do a pressure test pretty easily but that will only tell you if any of the seals are leaking.

You really need to know the condition of the gears inside. If they are bad or very win then you will end up buying a sei drive anyways as it will cost more than one to fix.

 

[Challenger84]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

The guy told me it was in good condition.
I guess for 2-3k it's worth a shot to go and have a look.
Maybe I can part it out.
I'm guessing just the housing alone would cost at least $300.

I'll go and have a look at it tomorrow and see what kind of condition it's in.

Thanks for all the help and advice!

 

[Challenger84]

Re: Cobra swapped with alpha gen 2 with 1.83 ratio?

Going to take a look at the drive today.
Wish me luck.