Have pre alpha outdrive want to replace with alpha

[ssmith32256]

I have a 1968 boat with a mercruiser 120 the outdrive is a pre alpha. I have a 1992 alpha sterndrive that I would like to upgrade to ? I have been told that this is possible and also told that it is impossible (or at least completely sensele$$ due to the modifications needed.) Can someone give me the basics on how pre alpha and alpha differ and what I would have to change in order to make this work ?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Have pre alpha outdrive want to replace with alpha

If it is a gen II, then it will not work. An Alpha will work - but not a gen II.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Have pre alpha outdrive want to replace with alpha

being a 92 you need to know if you have a gen 1 or gen 2 drive. Does the drive have a serial number on it or do you have pics of it? You also need to know the gearing in the new drive.

If your original #1 doesn't leak, works, and shifts fine then going to an alpha isn't really an upgrade performance wise... it works just the same way as your old one.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Have pre alpha outdrive want to replace with alpha

If you want to swap transom plates, yes you could use a Gen 2 drive. But even at that all your really gaining is a better water pump and trim system (or A trim system if your 68 doesn't have one) 'nutcase

 

[ssmith32256]

Re: Have pre alpha outdrive want to replace with alpha

Ok, Thanks Guys. So let me dig a bit deeper. I can confirm that the Alpha sterndrive is Gen 1. So am I understanding that the Alpha 1 Gen 1 wil bolt up to the bellhousing fromthe prealpha ? I dont need to change transom plate, gimbal housing, gimbal ring or bellhousing ? Can I assume that the coupler/spline is also compatible from pre alphato Alpha 1 gen 1 ?

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Have pre alpha outdrive want to replace with alpha

yes spine and all the others are the samewith the gen 1

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Have pre alpha outdrive want to replace with alpha

Check the length of the drive shaft.Some of the older ones were shorter.
When I was a rookie,I made the mistake of trying to mount a newer drive and it wouldn't go in all the way.Messed with it for an hour before figuring out what was wrong.J

 

[Bondo]

Re: Have pre alpha outdrive want to replace with alpha

Can I assume that the coupler/spline is also compatible from pre alphato Alpha 1 gen 1 ?

Ayuh,... Jerryjerry is Right,...
Your original drive has the 8" input shaft,+ the alpha 1 Probably has the 9" input shaft...
They'll have to be Swapped...

 

[ssmith32256]

Re: Have pre alpha outdrive want to replace with alpha

Good call. I never would have thought to check that. Ok thanks again guys you have really cleared it up for me. I dont mind not knowing, I just hate getting in the middle of it and getting a unpleasant shock.