Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

[MelLandry]

1979 Slickcraft: Mercruiser 228 (305) 2bbl "R" Outdrive.<br /><br />Well... the day has come. Loss of oil pressure and oil in the bilge can't be anything but bad.<br /><br />My first question: If the worse has come to fruition, and they have to pull (and replace) the entire block, will a new Gen II outdrive mate with the hole in my transom (after the necessary mounting hardware is replaced)? I figured I might as well bite the bullet and fix it all at once for good.<br /><br />My second question: Would you suggest REALLY biting the bullet and putting in a new 350 EFI? I know this would cost considerably more... but what am I looking at here if I'm going to pay for the labor of a new block anyway?<br /><br />This boat has been nothing but good to me. It's in EXCELENT condition. Replacing the boat is not an option. It'd be like getting rid of the 1966 Mustang your dad taught you to drive in.<br /><br />

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

Not sure what you're exactly asking.<br />I'd put a 350 long block in if the engine's shot and throw on an aftermarket or rebuilt merc alpha drive. Evaluate everything else as i swapped in the long block.<br />A new power package is silly IMHO. You can have a 1979 wiring connection come loose under the dash and you're dead in the water with $10K worth of shiny stuff under the hatch...

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

Originally posted by hystat:<br /> Not sure what you're exactly asking.<br />

What I was asking was if I could put an Alpha or Gen II drive on a boat that previously had a Pre-Alpha "R" drive.<br /><br />I didn't think it would be a problem.<br /><br />Thanks for your help.

 

[Don S]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

I do about a dozen complete repowers every year. People like the boat and understand that a complete engine/drive package (including instruments) is a lot cheaper than a new boat. <br />Don't expect to turn around a sell it and even consider breaking even, it just won't happen. But if you want many years of dependable power, that would be the way to go.<br />A new Gen II or Bravo transom shields will fit the cutout, but I think the better choice if sticking with Mercriser would be to go with the Bravo 1 drive instead of the Gen II, much stronger drive for the higher horse power MPI engines out today.<br />A 5.0L MPI with a Gen II drive would bring that boat alive.<br />Now, if you do a lot of pulling skiers/wake borders/tubers etc. Might even consider a 5.7MPI Volvo with a DP-S drive. Then you would Really have something.

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

Originally posted by Don S:<br /> People like the boat and understand that a complete engine/drive package (including instruments) is a lot cheaper than a new boat. <br />

That's exactly why we're doing this. There's no way I could find a new 20ft boat with everything we have in this boat and not spend over 30k. With the way they measure swim platforms in hull length, I'd need a 23ft boat just to have the same thing I have in this 19.5ft. My only other option would be to go out and find a nice used boat which would probably come out the same as the repower and the same thing might happen to that boat in 3 years.<br /><br />Now... What would be a VERY rough estimate of the cost of a total repower with a 5.0MPI and Brovo 1? Just so I know what to expect when I request such a rectal exam...

 

[Don S]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

If you go to the Bravo I drive, go with the 5.7. No one ever complained about too much power. <br />The only reason to go with the 5.0 would be if you wanted to stick with the Alpha drive.<br />I can't give you prices, best bet would be see your local Mercruiser dealer for actual prices.

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

Then I guess I'll find out some time in the next couple days. It was dropped off at the shop early this morning. If I don't post with an update, it means I dropped dead when they told me what it would cost.

 

[Mile-High Mariner]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

Mel - I agree with Don as well as Hystat - a new power package is great, and will obviously give you a great deal of peace-of-mind in the form of new OEM equipment; however, a remanufactured longblock and a reman'd outdrive are easily as reliable and MUCH easier on your wallet. You just have to weigh what you want together with what you will spend to get it.<br /><br />And don't worry about the cost of 5.0 vs 5.7 engines - they're often less than a $1000 apart in complete, configured power pack price, and I've seen some quotes in which the two engines are less than $500 apart in price.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

we just did one a few weeks back, took out a 73 OMC, had the transom filled and recut the hole, 5.0 with a genII and the total was about 20K.<br /> new steering,controls,gauge package and the works.<br /> fresh water cooled and all. I wish I could have sold him on smartcraft but he was afraid of it.<br /> if he does his maint like he did his OMC I suspect it will make 20 years.<br /> if he does not, maybe 4.

 

[sikpupy]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

What model slickcraft is that? What length is it? I love the high azz end on that thing!! Man, if I wasnt in VA, I would trade you both my boats for it, lol.

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

I dont really don't know what model it is. It's hard to find information on them. 1979, 19.5' bowrider but its got space inside like it's over 22 feet (no worthless swim platforms counted in length).
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Update: She's still in the shop. The loss of oil pressure siezed the cam. Replacing gaskets, changing the bearings and refinishing the cam. Updating everything that should be while ithe engine is out. The Mercruiser mechanic said it shouldn't need a shortblock replacement. Couldn't get many detials at work, I'll have to call back later.
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This picture might give you a better idea of how much room I have...

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

Maybe this'll work...

<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UQDjAv4Vx0wXeEzTTiN0T!XrP3A!P731DyftANu24GKQykfOTj6c6vmqnF!GjJKZ3ByEq8Gb4MjRDCqxb5RfEl8*xCZyhJEiuhJ2dCDwAlGSSCbLYoE4rNzV*oHvzX9r/2005_0501_145227AA.JPG?dc=4675520735094756913" />

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

[Deleted]
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Still getting used to this.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

It makes me want to shout FIRE with all those tops untied. They can ride on my boat til yours is up and running. Gotta be one of the nicest images I've seen here, thanks for sharing.

 

[GabeNalley]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

I have just reassymbled my 4.3 in hopes that the water won't come back into the oil again. If all goes wrong, how much conversion would I need if I repowered with a 5.0 or 5.7 with my existing Gen II?

 

[Don S]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

Start a new thread with your question Gabe, don't just tack on to someone elses thread with your problem.

 

[GabeNalley]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

Start a new thread with your question Gabe, don't just tack on to someone elses thread with your problem.

Just trying to keep the clutter down with this new search engine.

 

[sikpupy]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

Thanks for the info on the boat. Yes, that boat definitaly has a nice azz to it! o

Just remember me if you get sticker shock, I want it bad, I will even let you keep the cargo, lol.

Is that an open or closed bow boat?

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Replace Pre-Alpha (R) with Gen II

It's an open bow.