Advice from the Pro's

[GKricheldorf]

Ok - so i'm calling and emailing anyone i can find for a great price on a new alpha one. I specify that my ratio is 1.32 and i would like the same. I keep getting told those are to weak for the 454 pushing it. So what ratio can i go with? I'm getting confused and it's easy since i don't know squat about drives.

What are the facts from you guys in the know? I'm not exactly sure of the HP i have. I repowered the boat with a 1997 454 Gen VI(L29) motor. The old motor was a Mark IV 454 rated at 330 HP. My WOT should be 4800(still breaking in the new motor - have not gone WOT yet).

Thanks,
Glenn

[BUIZILLA]

I would definately go with a 1.50 setup and re-prop it.

JH

[GKricheldorf]

MadPoodle,

What tools would i need? Got a list ? I have no problem doing it, just don't know what i need.

[rayjay]

Why dont you just rebuild what you have with the HD 1:50 gear set?...

Still learning about drives and props, but wouldn't a 1.32:1 gear set have a better torque rating than the 1.50:1? Like the old 2.20 1st gear car 4 speeds that had a better torque rating with the same metallurgy just because of the different 1st gear ratio. Are there HD 1.32:1 gear sets, and I guess if not then I understand going with the HD 1.50:1 HD set.

The Alpha in my old Eliminator (1.50:1) was re-built by the previous owner with heat and surface treated gears and shaft from BAM. See Bam Gears (http://www.go-fast.com/trs_drive_gear_failures.htm) (read last lines, "We have also used this process effectively on Alpha and Speedmaster gears."), although I do not see the Alpha shaft listed anymore. The Eliminator was used for a lot of skiing and tubing, and the drive seems to be standing up just fine.

rayjay

[Rootsy]

no 1.32 HD gears... only 1.5 ratio HD available... NON HD gears, the 1.32 has a strength advantage due to gear tooth size and contact area when meshed.