Pre Alpha to ??? Outdrive swap

[ingalp01]

Just a thought. The outdrive on my boat seems to be functioning well, but it is very pitted and old, 28+ years. Only has 365 hours, but age is a killer.

I was thinking about pulling it and re-building it this off-season, but then got to thinking. Could I upgrade to a newer style outdrive?

a. Would a newer style 1.5 to 1 ratio outdrive bolt up to my 1982 era mercruiser 260?

b. Would a newer style outdrive benefit me in any way? i.e. reliability, ease of maintenence, efficiency???

c. Would the swap be worth the cost? Considering I would be getting a new "re-built" newer style outdrive vs. re-building my old pitted pre alpha?

Additionally, the corrossion issue has been addressed and solved, and the old outdrive has been re-painted, so the pitting is mainly cosmetic...

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Pre Alpha to ??? Outdrive swap

Just a thought. The outdrive on my boat seems to be functioning well, but it is very pitted and old, 28+ years.

....

Additionally, the corrossion issue has been addressed and solved, and the old outdrive has been re-painted, so the pitting is mainly cosmetic...

Run it till it dies, then put on a new SE106 outdrive. No advantage to doing anything now if yours still works well.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Pre Alpha to ??? Outdrive swap

Just a thought. The outdrive on my boat seems to be functioning well, but it is very pitted and old, 28+ years. Only has 365 hours, but age is a killer.

I was thinking about pulling it and re-building it this off-season, but then got to thinking. Could I upgrade to a newer style outdrive?

a. Would a newer style 1.5 to 1 ratio outdrive bolt up to my 1982 era mercruiser 260?

b. Would a newer style outdrive benefit me in any way? i.e. reliability, ease of maintenence, efficiency???

c. Would the swap be worth the cost? Considering I would be getting a new "re-built" newer style outdrive vs. re-building my old pitted pre alpha?

Additionally, the corrossion issue has been addressed and solved, and the old outdrive has been re-painted, so the pitting is mainly cosmetic...

Yes, up to a Alpha one, not Gen 2
a.- yes
b.-I don't think so, same
c.-I don't think so, If your drive is in good running condition. Could get a new SEI aftermarket drive from Iboats, instead of rebuilt new drive. I agree with Fishermark, keep running yours. As long as it doesn't leak and you keep up with regular maintenance, should continue to last

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Pre Alpha to ??? Outdrive swap

What is the benefit of an Alpha One over a pre-alpha? Aside from the different trim rams/trim pump setup, I don't think it would be worth it. I agree with Fishermark, there's no reason to invest in a new drive if the current one is functioning well. If you are concerned about the looks, sand it down and repaint it. You can even buy new stickers pretty cheap online to cover up the faded/crakced/missing ones you might have on yours.

 

[ingalp01]

Re: Pre Alpha to ??? Outdrive swap

Thanks guys, I guess I will run it til it falls off... Then go with the aftermarket outdrive...

 

[ingalp01]

Re: Pre Alpha to ??? Outdrive swap

OK, another question???

I checked this sites aftermarket outdrives, couldn't locate an SE??? whatever it was... I did find an outdrive in a 1.47 to 1 ratio from Vendor 199 that they say will fit in place of my 1982 mercruiser outdrive.

3 year warranty, $1195.00 is that the SE??? in question?

If I were to go with that type outdrive would I forever be tied into their parts, or could I continue to use alpha 1 or pre-alpha parts, gaskets, impellors and such?

Thanks again...

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Pre Alpha to ??? Outdrive swap

I don't know who Vendor 199 is... but, yes, I am sure that is Sterndrive Engineering. Here's their web page: Sterndrive - SE106

And yes, you can use the regular Alpha parts.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Pre Alpha to ??? Outdrive swap

Agreed. Everything that fits the Alpha I will fit the SE106. Warranty applies to all of their outdrives. The only different in the alpha/pre-alpha of any realy consequence is the trim ram type, and the bell housing chaged the trim limit/guage sender location to the hinge pin area. Neither of those two items would matter if you are just replacing the outdrive.

 

[ingalp01]

Re: Pre Alpha to ??? Outdrive swap

Excellent info guys, thanks a ton... I think the SE106 is definitely the way to go when my drive finally needs the re-build...

Thanks again...