How Much Power through an Alpha SS

[Madcow]

I'm restoring a 18 2+3. Currently has a 383 with an alpha. Want to build the motor up to around 425 horse. Trying to decide on going with an Alpha SS, or changing to a Bravo shortie. Obvosly the Alpha route would be cheaper, but I want it all to last. Any opinions?

[Sam]

I would say no problem as long as you don't abuse it. Doug Lovins put's every bit of 425 hp through his and I'm at around 375 hp. Just make sure you keep it as cool as posible. Change the lube every 25 hours and your good to go just as an FYI we use Merc High Perfromance Gear Lube.

[Madcow]

What kind of prop are you spinning, and at what RPM? How fast are you going?

[Rootsy]

mine lasted at 400 +/- til some wood got in the way at Cumberland....

you'll thoroughly enjoy your 18 with the SS... add some external hydraulic steering and with the HP you have you should see 80 +/- if you get the prop dialed in

[gcarter]

And a drive shower!!!(this item shouldn't have to be mentioned)

[MOP]

If I had it all to do over again I would still have an Alpha on my 22 and have a few thousabd still in the bank plus be about 2 MPH faster:bonk: Alphas are cheap and plentyful, by the time you blow enough of them up to equal the cost of going to a Bravo/Shortie you may have grey hair:yes:

[Madcow]

If I had it all to do over again I would still have an Alpha on my 22 and have a few thousabd still in the bank plus be about 2 MPH faster:bonk: Alphas are cheap and plentyful, by the time you blow enough of them up to equal the cost of going to a Bravo/Shortie you may have grey hair:yes:
Did you have an SS or a reg alpha? I know on my big boat I saw dramatic gains going with shorties on my bravos, so I'm assuming I'll et a benefit raising the X on my Donzi.

[Sam]

I'm turning a 23.5" Hydromotive OT in the 5000 to 5200 rpm range. I think Doug Lovins is running 25" Hydromotive and I know he spins that 5600 to 6000 rpm :boggled:.

[Pismo]

I have a friend with an 1987 22 runing an standard 1.5 Alpha and it does nearly 80mph on GPS so he is near 500hp out of big block thru a 1987 Alpha with no failures yet. His tricks were to install a remote lube resevoir to help keep the lube pure and spin a low pitch 3 blade only prop and let it rev higher than usual and of course no crazy flying air out prop at any speed. He used a 23" Mirage non-Plus and let it rev to near 6000rpm. They hold up well if not abused.

[BigGrizzly]

I'll keep it short. I have seen them last with 550HP and die with 400hp. The 550HP finally came apart after 10 years, doing the high rev thing with a small prop, trying to go faster than 82mph in a 18 Python. Yes this was the same combination that was in Hotboat years ago, engine built by the same guy and was a small block. The bearing came apart first. I am shore this was abused this summer.

[sweet 16 1966]

I believe I could live with 10 years out of a 400+ hp set-up on an alpha then just replace and do over.